ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting on Wednesday with a delegation of the Pharma Bureau to discuss key policy, regulatory, and economic issues concerning the pharmaceutical sector.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of Pharma Bureau, Syed Anis Ahmed, and included Erum Shakir Rahim, Co-chair Pharma Bureau, Qawi Naseer, Chief Executive Officer Haleon Pakistan Limited, Hafsa Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer Roche Pakistan, Sajjad Iftikhar, Andleeb Ahmed, and Ayesha T Haq, Executive Director, Pharma Bureau.
During the meeting, the Pharma Bureau delegation provided an overview of the sector’s performance and noted certain developments, including improvements in regulatory processes, increased digitalisation, and engagement between regulators and stakeholders. Reference was also made to progress toward higher World Health Organization maturity levels for the drug regulator, as well as developments relating to product approvals, exports, and the broader macroeconomic environment.
The delegation also shared views on issues concerning industry operations, including matters related to pricing and availability, regulatory processes, investment facilitation, taxation, innovation, and export potential. Emphasis was placed on the importance of policy consistency, effective governance, and safeguarding patient interest, along with further strengthening of regulatory capacity in line with international standards.
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The federal minister acknowledged the contribution of the pharmaceutical sector to public health, employment generation, and overall economic activity. He apprised the participants of the government’s broader economic reform agenda, including measures aimed at macroeconomic stabilisation, rationalisation of the tax system, expansion of documentation, and promotion of growth across sectors.
The minister assured the delegation that the issues and proposals raised would be examined in detail in coordination with relevant ministries and regulatory bodies. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining regular engagement with stakeholders and extending facilitation within the framework of national priorities and fiscal sustainability.
The meeting concluded with an understanding to continue dialogue and cooperation to address challenges and support the pharmaceutical sector’s continued development, innovation, and contribution to the economy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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