PM Shehbaz Awards DRAP CEO Dr. Ubaidullah Malik ‘Reform Champion’ for Strengthening Pakistan’s Pharmaceutical Sector

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has honored Dr. Ubaidullah Malik, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), with the prestigious ‘Reform Champion’ award. The recognition comes in appreciation of DRAP’s efforts to modernize the regulatory system, enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and safeguard public health.

Expressing gratitude for the award, Dr. Malik said the achievement reflects the collective dedication and professionalism of the entire DRAP team. “Our goal is to ensure the availability of safe and high-quality medicines for the people of Pakistan,” he added.

The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association also congratulated Dr. Malik, noting that these reforms are strengthening Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry. PPMA Senior Vice Chairman Kamran Nasir stated that DRAP has successfully created a balanced environment for the industry while enhancing regulatory oversight.

He emphasized that eliminating counterfeit medicines and adhering to global standards are essential for making Pakistan a major hub for pharmaceutical exports in the next five years.

In February 2024, DRAP supported the industry in liberalizing pricing for non-essential medicines, allowing companies to set prices based on costs. At the same time, DRAP retained control over pricing of life-saving and essential drugs, ensuring patients have access to quality medicines, while preventing black marketing and counterfeit products.

Following the revised pricing, companies that had halted production of essential medicines due to rising costs resumed manufacturing. These policy improvements contributed to a record 34% increase in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports by the end of FY2025—the highest growth in two decades.

Total global sales of Pakistani medicines reached $457 million, positioning the pharmaceutical sector as the fifth fastest-growing export industry in the country.