The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is launching a major crackdown today on the growing online sale of smuggled and unregistered medicines. Consequently, DRAP has asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block multiple websites and social media platforms. Officials describe this unregulated digital promotion as a serious threat to public health.
Documents reveal that DRAP has formally requested the PTA to restrict access to these illicit websites. Specifically, DRAP’s Division of Quality Assurance and Laboratory Testing sent separate communications throughout March and April 2026. They identified several online platforms aggressively promoting unregistered therapeutic goods. These include products explicitly targeting weight loss, sexual health, and other medical conditions. Furthermore, the authority pinpointed specific Facebook and Instagram accounts marketing these drugs directly to consumers.
Recently, officials in the Ministry of National Health Services noted a sharp rise in the digital marketing of therapeutic products. Sellers advertise prescription-only medicines and psychotropic drugs directly to buyers without any regulatory approval. According to a senior health ministry official, vendors promote these medicines heavily through WhatsApp marketing, websites, and social media ads. Therefore, this dangerous practice encourages people to self-medicate without consulting qualified medical practitioners. Ultimately, these actions violate Pakistan’s drug laws and pose significant public health risks.
Public complaints directly sparked this regulatory action. Citizens reported numerous websites selling unregistered therapeutic goods, prompting DRAP to demand immediate blocking under relevant legal provisions. Finally, DRAP has appealed to all citizens to avoid purchasing these medicines from any medical stores. Simultaneously, the authority issued a severe warning to pharmacies. DRAP will take stern action against any pharmacy found selling these illegal medicines.
