Pakistan stands at a turning point in its pharmaceutical sector The latest figures show that exports have climbed to USD 457 million reflecting a growth of 34 percent over the previous year This marks the highest export level in two decades and signals strong global demand for Pakistani medicines

Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production spoke at a national Pharma Summit and Awards ceremony He described pharmaceutical exporters as national ambassadors whose work boosts Pakistan’s reputation abroad He made clear that supportive industrial policies and regulatory reforms are central to achieving greater export success

The government has taken specific steps to strengthen sector competitiveness These include reducing duties on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients enhancing regulatory clarity speeding up approvals and encouraging adoption of global best practices These reforms are designed to improve production capacity align quality with international norms and make Pakistani pharma products more attractive in overseas markets

He emphasised that ensuring availability of affordable, quality medicines is not just a commercial goal but a public health imperative With Pakistan’s population around 250 million meeting domestic healthcare demands while building export capacity presents both a challenge and an opportunity

The summit also honoured top exporters, recognising the contribution of companies that achieved outstanding exports Recently emerging technologies such as care automation, AI in quality control, digital health platforms and advanced manufacturing were celebrated as key pillars of future growth

Also speaking at the event, senior lawmaker Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani noted that legislators will support the sector through better laws, research incentives and oversight to ensure quality and compliance remain high as exports grow His remarks reflected a growing consensus that economic prosperity and public health depend on a strong indigenous pharmaceutical industry

If Pakistan sustains the momentum with reforms, investment in infrastructure and rigorous oversight it could secure a larger share in the global healthcare market The path forward includes expanding manufacturing, boosting export value, reducing dependence on imports and building health diplomacy through quality, trust and consistency

Pakistan’s potential in the global healthcare market is no longer a future promise It is rapidly becoming a present reality One where policy stability, industry innovation and global standards combine to open opportunities not just for profit but for stronger health security, jobs and dignity for all citizens