Govt Launches PharmEx Pakistan to Boost Pharmaceutical Exports, Sets Up Export Facilitation Desk

In a major policy breakthrough aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical exports from Pakistan, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday announced the establishment of PharmEx Pakistan, an empowered Pharma Export Promotion Council under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

The announcement came during a detailed briefing by Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (PPMA) Chairman Touqeer ul Haq, who shared updates on Pharmax Pakistan—a dynamic public-private initiative dedicated to scaling up and managing pharmaceutical exports.

“The pharmaceutical sector holds tremendous export potential. With PharmEx Pakistan just steps away from full functionality, we are positioning ourselves as a global player,” stated Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

He lauded the pharmaceutical industry’s rapid advancement and reaffirmed the government’s full support in helping the sector reach ambitious international targets.

Regarding regional trade, particularly with Afghanistan, the minister noted,

“Our trade ties with Afghanistan are deepening day by day. Pharmaceutical exports will increase as coordination improves.”

Chairman Touqeer ul Haq praised the minister for his swift action on pressing issues, which he said helped avert major financial setbacks for the sector. He highlighted Pharmax Pakistan’s potential to elevate exports from the current USD 700 million to over USD 3 billion in the coming years.

Industry data reflects this trajectory, with pharmaceutical exports rising from USD 270 million in 2020–21 to USD 355 million in 2024–25.

Touqeer ul Haq also stressed the importance of streamlining exports to Afghanistan and welcomed the minister’s assurance of policy-level coordination and facilitation.

Pharmax Pakistan aims to serve as a one-window platform for ensuring regulatory compliance, international market access, and outreach for Pakistani pharmaceutical products.

To further enhance export competitiveness, the minister also announced the establishment of a dedicated Exporter Facilitation Desk within the Ministry of Commerce. This desk will handle critical export-related matters and provide urgent government intervention when needed.

The coordinated government-industry efforts under PharmEx Pakistan and Pharmax Pakistan are set to significantly transform Pakistan’s pharmaceutical export landscape.