The deregulation of drug prices is a significant
achievement that will attract investment in this sector
We need to see DRAP as an autonomous, independent organization
Interview: Dr. Kaiser Waheed
By Shaukat Ali Jawaid
KARACHI: Dr. Kaiser Waheed began his professional career as a Medical Representative in the pharmaceutical industry in 1978 from Pfizer and is full of praise for late Mr. Mushfik Siddiqui from whom he learnt a lot-. I often saw him at hospitals and consultant clinics in the late 1970s and early 80s. As a young reporter, I witnessed his progress, and he saw mine. Over the years, he worked for several pharmaceutical companies, but coming from a business-oriented family in Chiniot, entrepreneurship was in his genes. He initially started as an importer of pharmaceutical products before establishing Medisure Pharma, a drug manufacturing facility in Karachi, in 2002.
Dr. Kaiser Waheed
Dr. Waheed joined the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) when it functioned primarily as a liaison between the industry and regulators in the 1960s and early 70s. Over the last two decades, PPMA has transformed into an active, professional organization, and Dr. Waheed has emerged as a key influencer in the industry. I met him on February 13, 2025, to discuss developments in PPMA, the pharmaceutical trade, and his professional journey. Below are excerpts from our conversation:
Establishing a Presence in the Industry
“I started as an importer of a few pharmaceutical products and became a member of the Drug Importers Association. We held meetings to discuss industry challenges. In September 2002, I secured a Drug Manufacturing License and joined PPMA. During a meeting at the PPMA office at Hotel Metropole, a senior member remarked that medical representatives had now become drug manufacturers. Though he didn’t name me, it was clear he was referring to me. I stood up and declared that in two to three years, we would ensure PPMA became a formidable organization.
A few days later, I invited Mr. Tariq Ikram from Opal Pharma to a meeting at Marina Club in Defense. He agreed that members were often uninformed about regulatory discussions and decisions. He suggested speaking with another industry leader, Mr. Khalid Mahmood from Getz Pharma. After further discussions, we reached out to Mr. Saeed Allawala from Atco.
I was already acquainted with Mr. Haroon Qassim, whom I initially perceived as an importer. When I met Mr. Saeed Allawala, he recommended involving Mr. Zahid Saeed from Indus Pharma. By 2004, two distinct groups had formed within PPMA, and we decided to contest the PPMA elections.”
The Transformation of PPMA
“Until then, democratic traditions were absent in PPMA; a few individuals would nominate the Chairman. Five members of the Central Executive Committee had to be selected from South Zone. We met at SAMI Pharmaceuticals and decided to nominate two members from our group and three from the other. I suggested that since the other group had more members, the Chairman should be from our side. Traditionally, the Chairman was chosen alternately from the North and South Zones.
I nominated Mr. Saeed Allawala as Chairman. However, at the first Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting in Lahore, members passed a No-Confidence Motion against Mr. Allawala and removed him. We took legal action and, with the help of Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, secured a stay order. Eventually, the opposition realized their resistance was futile and agreed to reinstate Mr. Allawala as Chairman if we withdrew the case. This marked a turning point for PPMA in 2003. We committed to ensuring transparency and keeping all members informed.”
Leadership and Industry Advancements
“In 2005, it was my turn to become PPMA Chairman, but some senior members nominated another candidate. Despite facing allegations during the campaign, we persevered. I appreciate Mr. Shafiuddin, who supported me wholeheartedly. Before the election results were announced, the opposing group left and I was elected Chairman. I served as Chairman of PPMA for two and a half years over two terms.
Some of the chief executives of Pharma Industry attending the PHARMA Summit 2024 photographed with Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and some Guest Speakers. (Photo from File).
During my second term, journalists questioned the lack of internationally accredited pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan. By this time, Haroon Qassim had become a close friend. We organized Pakistan’s first international pharmaceutical marketing conference in Karachi in 2011. On his recommendation, we invited Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman as chief guest, and the event was a great success. This encouraged us to organize additional conferences, focusing on quality control and electronic data management.
Recognizing the need for government engagement, we moved our summits to Islamabad. The Fifth Pakistan Pharma Summit in 2020 included representatives from regulatory bodies and ministries. The first Pharma Export Summit and Awards took place in 2021. Subsequent summits in 2023 and 2024 featured high-profile attendees, including ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. These efforts led to the deregulation of non-essential drug prices, a crucial development that helped the industry survive and addressed critical drug shortages.”
Future Goals and Challenges
“Pakistan now has six internationally accredited pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities: Getz Pharma, PharmEvo, Remington, Herbion, Dynatis, and Schazoo Zaka. Two more are under inspection and expected to gain accreditation soon. Our next goal is the establishment of a Pharmaceuticals Export Council, similar to India’s. Progress is being made, and we hope to see it being formed soon.
One of our mistakes was underestimating the implications of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which shifted health-related matters, including drug regulation, to provincial control. We opposed this move, engaging government officials and legal counsel. The establishment of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) was a response to this transition, but it was formed through a rushed process, leading to inefficiencies. DRAP was born through cesarean section with lot of congenital formations.
DRAP should be an autonomous, independent body like the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), rather than just another department under the Federal Health Ministry. The issue of Drug Courts also needs resolution. In Pakistan, products labeled as ‘sub-standard’ should be classified as ‘Out of Specifications’ (OOS) as seen internationally. While other countries impose financial penalties or market withdrawals, Pakistan treats such cases as crimes, which needs to change.”
Achievements and the Road Ahead
“PPMA’s persistent efforts over the last two decades have started yielding results. Deregulation has encouraged investment, leading to a PKR 190 billion industry growth last year. Even multinational pharmaceutical companies are benefiting, as issues related to legacy drugs have largely been resolved.
The struggle isn’t over, but we remain committed to highlighting the pharmaceutical sector’s contributions to Pakistan’s progress. Ensuring self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports is in the national interest. Above all, our mission remains to provide quality drugs at affordable prices while enhancing the industry’s public image.”
