Currently Pakistan is exporting drugs to 60 countries
which demonstrates quality recognition globally
Beyond Generics, future belongs to Biosimilars,
novel drug delivery systems and precision medicine
Dr. Kaiser Waheed’s address at 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit
ISLAMABAD: Pharmaceutical in the third largest contributor to national GDP. It is a beacon of resilience and growth. Apart from meeting the 95% of the domestic medicine market, it is exporting drugs to sixty countries of the world demonstrating quality recognition globally since many companies have now achieved WHO, PICs and MHRA pre-qualification. This is the legacy built on decades of hard work, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering. However, this pride must fuel progress, not complacency. This was stated by Dr. Kaiser Waheed Chairman of the organizing committee of 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit in his keynote address in the inaugural session of the Summit on September 24th 2025.
Mr. Jim Harris talking to Dr. Kaiser Waheed, Mr. Tauqeer Rul Haq Chairman PPMA and Syed Farooq Bukhari at Dinner on 23rd September 2025 during the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit organized by PPMA at Islamabad recently.
Continuing Dr. Kaiser Waheed said that the landscape before us is one of both immense opportunity and significant challenge. We stand at a crossroads defined by: The Imperative of Innovation: Beyond generics, the future belongs to biosimilars, novel drug delivery systems, and precision medicine. How do we foster R&D ecosystems within Pakistan? How do we incentivize local innovation and attract investment in cutting-edge research?
Speaking about the Challenge of Access & Affordability he said that while we supply most local needs, ensuring every Pakistani, in every village and city, has access to essential, affordable medicines remains a core mission. Balancing cost, quality, and accessibility in a complex economic environment he added.
As regards, Global Competition & Compliance international standards (GMP, GDP, regulatory harmonization) are not static; they evolve rapidly. To compete and expand our export footprint, continuous upgrades and unwavering adherence are non-negotiable. Dependence on imported APIs remains a critical vulnerability we must address.
Talking about the Digital Revolution, he pointed out that AI in drug discovery, blockchain for supply chain integrity, telemedicine aren’t buzzwords; they are reshaping healthcare. But the question remains are we ready to integrate and lead in this digital transformation? In order to strengthen the regulatory framework, a robust, efficient, predictable, and science-based regulatory authority (DRAP) is the bedrock of a thriving, trusted industry.
Streamlining processes, enhancing capacity, and fostering transparent collaboration between industry and regulator are essential for growth and patient safety. As such our collective prescription for the future is invest relentlessly in R&D & Human Capital. We must champion academia-industry linkages. Establish dedicated R&D zones with tax incentives. Invest in upskilling our workforce – scientists, regulators, production specialists – for the challenges of tomorrow. To achieve all this let’s make Pakistan a hub for pharmaceutical sciences. We must embrace technological transformation: Integrate AI for predictive maintenance, advanced analytics for quality control, and digital platforms for supply chain transparency. Leverage technology not just for efficiency, but for breakthroughs.
He suggested forging Strategic Partnerships. Collaboration, he stated was the key. Within Pakistan Pharma companies, academia, government (Ministries of Health, Science & Technology, Commerce), and DRAP must work as one team while internationally seek technology transfer, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange. CPEC offers unique logistics potential – let’s harness it for pharma exports, he remarked. We must reduce our dependence on imported APIs. Incentivize local API manufacturing through targeted policies, infrastructure support, and long-term investment security. This is crucial for national health security and economic sovereignty.
Advocating for a Smart Regulation & Policy: Dr. Kaiser Waheed suggest that we must work constructively with DRAP to build a world-class regulator – well-resourced, proactive, and globally aligned. Advocate for policies that encourage investment, innovation, and export competitiveness while ensuring the highest quality and safety standards. Data protection frameworks are also vital for innovation, he added.
We need to prioritize Patient-Centricity. Every tablet, every vial, every innovation serves a patient. Let’s embed patient needs at the heart of everything we do – from affordability programs to developing medicines for neglected tropical diseases prevalent in our region. Remember our success in combating Hepatitis C and that spirit must continue. The opportunity is vast. The global generics market is expanding. Demand for affordable quality medicines is universal. Pakistan, with its strategic location, demographic dividend, and proven capabilities, is uniquely positioned to become a global pharmaceutical powerhouse. This is not just business; this is nation-building. A thriving pharmaceutical sector means that healthier citizens and stronger communities, High-value jobs and economic prosperity, enhanced scientific prowess and national prestige besides greater health security and resilience. Se must make commitments to:
- Collaborate more deeply than ever before.
- Innovate fearlessly and invest strategically.
- Advocate passionately for the enabling environment we need.
- Uphold the highest standards of quality and ethics, always.
- Deliver on our promise of health and hope for every Pakistani.
Dr. Kaiser Waheed concluded his address by stating that let’s forge a future together where Pakistan Pharma is synonymous globally with quality, innovation, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to human health. The prescription for success, Dr. Kaiser Waheed stated is in our hands which we must write together.
