Pakistan Accelerates Local Vaccine Manufacturing to Boost Health Security

Pakistan is moving closer to domestic vaccine manufacturing as an eleven-member high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia arrives to explore cooperation in health, pharmaceutical production, and industrial partnerships. The visit reflects months of ongoing engagement between the two countries, during which Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has met with his Saudi counterpart to discuss local vaccine production, investment opportunities, and knowledge sharing.

Discussions have also included Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry, focusing on pharmaceutical manufacturing and broader industrial collaboration. Pakistan has appointed Dr. Obaid, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and Saudi Arabia has appointed Nizar Y Al-Hariri, senior adviser to the Saudi Minister of Industry, as focal persons to coordinate the efforts. Six detailed meetings have already taken place between DRAP and the Saudi Ministry of Industry advisor to advance technical and operational planning.

Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal described the Saudi delegation’s arrival as a decisive step toward turning plans for local vaccine production into practical outcomes. He emphasized that establishing domestic manufacturing facilities will ensure safe, high-quality vaccines for Pakistan’s population, meet national immunization needs, and allow surplus production for export, supporting economic growth and national stability.