Pharma Exports Surge 34% After Deregulation, SIFC Pledges Support

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) held an emergent meeting with the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) to review recent reforms and export prospects. The session was attended by PPMA Chairman Tauqeer ul Haq, Vice Chairman and Executive Director Col. Nayyar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries Haroon Akhtar. The SIFC delegation was led by its Director General.

PPMA thanked SIFC for endorsing changes to the drug law that address directors liability. The industry said the deregulation policy delivered visible gains. Medicine shortages were resolved and pharmacies saw steady supply. The PPMA reported that pharmaceutical exports rose 34% following the reforms.

PPMA raised concerns about a third party survey commissioned by the drug regulator on the Prime Minister advice. Industry representatives said they were not included in that exercise and called for greater consultation. The SIFC team noted the concern and agreed to maintain dialogue with industry stakeholders.

SIFC and SAPM Haroon Akhtar strongly supported the deregulation approach. They said the policy helped restore availability of medicines and enabled record export growth. SIFC pledged to protect the reforms so the sector can build on recent gains.

The PPMA presented a position paper on export opportunities in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The association outlined logistical and regulatory challenges along with specific proposals to boost shipments. Haroon Akhtar said he will visit Uzbekistan and asked PPMA for detailed recommendations. He said banking channels are being resolved and that 11 banks are preparing to open branches to support trade.

Later the PPMA delegation met the Uzbekistan ambassador, senior bankers, the finance secretary and ministry officials to discuss expansion of exports. DG SIFC praised PPMA for partnering with government to reform the sector and strengthen supply chains. Both sides described the meetings as productive and said they would continue cooperation to ensure sustainable growth.