The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan was estimated to be worth Rs. 748 billion (US$2.6 billion) in 2023, representing about 1% of the country's GDP.[1] The industry is largely import-dependent, with more than 90% of raw material being imported and only 12% of APIs locally produced.[1] Pakistani pharmaceutical companies are engaged in importing raw materials, compounding APIs with excipients, coating of pills, and fill-finish activities.[1][2] The industry is regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, which oversees drug approvals and pricing.[3]
Pakistan imports all specialized finished dosage forms, vaccines and biologicals. An ICAP report estimated that the Pakistani pharmaceutical industry has a 50-60% import reliance on India.[1] Pakistan exported pharmaceutical products worth about $235 million in 2023,[1] mostly to a few less-regulated markets in Africa and Southeast Asia.[2]