The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has launched a sweeping operation that uncovered and seized numerous counterfeit and unregistered medicines across different provinces after laboratory tests confirmed many batches were fake. The crackdown identified drugs being sold under reputable brand names that in fact lacked the required active pharmaceutical ingredients or were produced without valid licenses. These drugs included antibiotics, painkillers, hormonal medicines and even devices that are critical for treatment of infections or chronic illnesses.

Lab reports from provincial drug testing laboratories, especially in Punjab, revealed that some batches had no trace of active ingredients and were declared spurious under Section 3 of the Drugs Act. This means patients using those drugs not only receive no therapeutic benefit but may suffer worsened illness or increased risk as infections go untreated or diseases progress. The counterfeit items reportedly had labeling that imitated registered products including false registration numbers and manufacturing dates, making them hard to distinguish from authentic medicines.

Authorities carried out surprise inspections of drug manufacturing facilities, pharmacies and import supply chains. Some manufacturing units were sealed when found operating without a proper establishment license. Distributors and medical stores were instructed to remove the identified fake batches and report any suspect medicines immediately. DRAP also called for vigilance by health professionals, urging them to check stocks carefully and to report adverse reactions or quality concerns through official pharmacovigilance mechanisms.

Consumers are being warned not to use medicines unless they are obtained from licensed pharmacies and their packaging appears authentic. DRAP has issued recall alerts and bans on the use and sale of the fake products. The regulatory body is also directing field forces to monitor markets more closely, trace distribution routes of counterfeit drugs and enforce penalties against those involved in production or trafficking of such drugs.

This crackdown reflects growing urgency to protect people’s health and rebuild trust in pharmaceuticals. It highlights the need for stronger regulations, better oversight of the supply chain, more frequent inspections, public awareness about fake medicines, and swift legal action against perpetrators. Generations of patients could be saved if such efforts are maintained and expanded across Pakistan.