Five major multinational pharmaceutical companies have withdrawn or shut down their manufacturing operations in Pakistan over the last three years, the National Assembly was informed on Friday.
Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal confirmed that Bayer, ICI Pakistan, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, and Novartis have all divested their local production facilities, shifting ownership to domestic firms. Their exits reflect mounting challenges faced by global pharmaceutical companies in the country, including pricing constraints, rising production costs, and regulatory hurdles.
The minister noted that while these companies have ceased direct manufacturing, most continue to operate through imports or partnerships, ensuring that essential medicines remain available. The transition to local firms is expected to maintain continuity in supply, though the industry is watching closely to assess the long-term impact on drug quality, investment, and innovation in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.