Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan

The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan was estimated to be worth Rs. 748 billion (US$2.6 billion) in 2023, representing about 1% of the country's GDP. The industry is largely import-dependent, with more than 90% of raw material being imported and only 12% of active pharmaceutical ingredients locally produced. Pakistani pharmaceutical companies are engaged in importing raw materials, compounding active pharmaceutical ingredients with excipients, coating of pills, and fill-finish activities. The industry is regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, which oversees drug approvals and pricing.

Pakistan imports all specialized finished dosage forms, vaccines and biologicals. A report by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan estimated that the Pakistani pharmaceutical industry has a 50-60% import reliance on India. Pakistan exported pharmaceutical products worth about $235 million in 2023, mostly to a few less-regulated markets in Africa and Southeast Asia.