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KARACHI: Fearing the reversal of price deregulation policy for non-essential medicines, the pharmaceutical industry has warned that such a decision could lead to “medicine shortages, factory shutdowns, falling exports and loss of investor confidence”.
In a statement, Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) claimed that the deregulation policy announced in 2024 has already led to a 34 per cent increase in pharmaceutical exports, improved medicine availability, expansion of internationally certified manufacturing facilities and higher tax contributions.
“While any reversal of the policy could result in medicine shortages, factory shutdowns, falling exports and loss of investor confidence,” it said.
“According to industry estimates, pharmaceutical exports increased from around $336 million before deregulation to nearly $450 million in 2025, while manufacturers also expanded investment in WHO, PIC/S and EU GMP compliant facilities aimed at accessing regulated international markets, including Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia,” it said.
