How Khursheed Shaikh Turned Sindh’s Drug Inspection Into a Corruption Empire

Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry stands as both a linchpin of national healthcare and a vital economic engine. Yet, systemic abuse within its regulatory framework is eroding public trust and threatening public health. Senior drug inspectors, entrusted with the safety of medicine supply, are accused of leveraging official powers for personal gain demanding bribes, approving counterfeit or substandard drugs, and harassing legitimate businesses on a whim. Multinational and credible domestic drugmakers find themselves ensnared or pushed out altogether, weakening Pakistan’s standing in global pharmaceutical markets.

At the center of this scandal lies Khursheed Shaikh, a Sindh-based inspector whose name has become synonymous with regulatory corruption. Over the years, multiple press reports and show-cause notices have documented allegations of bribe taking, extortion of pharmaceutical companies and even demands ranging from livestock to cash. Yet despite these red flags, Shaikh repeatedly returns to his post, shielded by alleged political patronage. Industry insiders confirm that today, pharmaceutical companies say “Khursheed Shaikh’s bazaar is still in full swing” indicating ongoing harassment and financial burden inflicted on compliant and non-compliant businesses alike.

A Pattern That Won’t Die

• Alleged demands for bribes from pharmaceutical companies and medical store owners.
• Threats to classify legitimate drugs as “substandard” if demands are not met.
• Approvals for low-quality or banned drugs for those who comply.
• Use of official authority for personal enrichment, including demands for livestock.
• Political patronage shielding corrupt officials from lasting punishment.

This isn’t just about one man. It’s a case study of how regulatory failure corrodes an entire sector, discourages investment and endangers millions who depend on safe, affordable medicines.

Timeline of Alleged Misconduct

Questions the Government Can No Longer Ignore

The Prime Minister, the Federal Health Minister and the Provincial Health Minister of Sindh must answer:

• Why has a corrupt official with a documented history been allowed to return to his post multiple times?
• Why have legal proceedings not resulted in conviction or permanent dismissal?
• How much has this corruption cost Pakistan in lost investment, higher medicine prices and public health damage?
• What safeguards are being put in place to ensure inspectors cannot abuse their power in this way again?

If any doubt remains, a full forensic audit of Khursheed Shaikh’s bank accounts, property, family assets and communications should be ordered. The findings must be made public. Only a transparent, high-profile investigation will restore public trust in drug regulation.

A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan’s Leadership

The Khursheed Shaikh case is not an isolated scandal but a warning signal. As long as such officials are protected and recycled, Pakistan’s health system will remain hostage to extortion. Every delayed reform, every quiet reinstatement is paid for in children’s fevers untreated, diabetics rationing insulin, and investors taking their capital elsewhere.

Citizens are watching and losing patience. The public wants clean governance, safe medicines and a fair regulatory system. The pharmaceutical industry, which should be an engine of growth, is being turned into a hostage economy. Unless the government acts decisively suspensions replaced with prosecutions, influence replaced with accountability the cycle of bribery and impunity will continue.

Khursheed Shaikh’s name has become shorthand for a corrupt system that punishes honesty and rewards extortion. Breaking that system is not only about punishing one inspector but about saving lives, protecting an industry vital to Pakistan’s economy and proving to citizens that the rule of law applies equally to all. The time for timid statements has passed. Only visible, uncompromising action will convince the public that the government is serious about cleaning up the drug inspection regime.