The federal cabinet has approved the implementation of a nationwide track and trace system for medicines, a major initiative aimed at eliminating counterfeit and substandard drugs while enhancing transparency across Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The announcement was made by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, who said the cabinet had also approved amendments to the Drug Labelling and Packing Rules, 1978, paving the way for the introduction of a comprehensive digital monitoring framework.
Describing the initiative as a significant step forward for public health, the minister stated that every medicine sold in Pakistan will be digitally tracked and verified throughout the supply chain. The system is expected to help authorities identify counterfeit products more effectively and prevent fake medicines from reaching consumers.
Under the new regulations, all pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be required to print standardized two-dimensional (2D) barcodes and serialization data on medicine packaging. The digital codes will enable verification of essential product information, including expiry dates, pricing details, and product authenticity.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan will oversee the implementation of the track and trace system and issue technical guidelines to support compliance by pharmaceutical companies.
According to the health minister, the initiative will improve security, accountability, and transparency within the pharmaceutical sector while aligning Pakistan’s drug monitoring practices with international standards.
He added that the adoption of advanced digital technologies will modernize the country’s healthcare regulatory framework, enhance consumer confidence, and strengthen safeguards against counterfeit and substandard medicines.
The government has already conducted consultations with pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to ensure the smooth rollout of the system. Officials believe the new framework will serve as a strong barrier against fake medicines and significantly improve public health protection nationwide.
