Islamabad, January 15,2026: Pakistan has recorded a significant increase in exports of medicines and medical devices, with a 34 percent growth reported by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), a development being described as encouraging for the national economy.
According to official data released by DRAP, effective regulatory reforms and an improved oversight framework have not only boosted exports but also enabled savings worth billions of rupees, with the direct benefits reaching the public. The authority stated that nearly 70 percent of its regulatory operations have already been digitized.
DRAP has set a target of achieving 100 percent digitalization by March 2026. Initiatives such as the online medical devices registration system and the introduction of e-Office have significantly reduced human error and procedural delays, while also enhancing transparency within the system.
The report noted that, to promote exports, the time required for issuing certifications has been substantially reduced. The registration period for pharmaceutical exports has been cut from 60 days to just 10 days, while certificates such as the Free Sale Certificate (FSC) and Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) are now being issued within five days instead of the earlier 30-day timeframe.
Similarly, the registration period for medical devices has been reduced to around 20 days. DRAP said that through a one-window facility and investor-friendly measures, efforts are underway to make Pakistan self-reliant in the pharmaceutical sector.
The authority further disclosed that a draft of the National Vaccine Policy has been finalized, while work is ongoing on a roadmap for local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). Expressing satisfaction over the positive outcomes of the reforms, DRAP termed the 34 percent increase in pharmaceutical exports a promising and confidence-boosting development for Pakistan’s economy.
