The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)’s first drug testing laboratory has secured prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) amid efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), reflecting growing global confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory systems.
According to a statement on Thursday, SIFC ensured coordination at the domestic level while also engaging effectively with international stakeholders to make this achievement possible.
The state-of-the-art drug testing laboratory will be established in Karachi and will operate under the administration of DRAP.
DRAP urged to follow full process before declaring medicines substandard
As per the statement, multiple domestic and international challenges were successfully addressed throughout the process by SIFC’s.
The WHO accreditation is expected to significantly enhance the global credibility of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical quality and regulatory framework, leading to a notable increase in pharmaceutical exports. It will also strengthen investor confidence in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
Furthermore, this development will reduce Pakistan’s reliance on foreign laboratories by enabling high-quality testing capabilities within the country.
The council was of the view that this achievement underscores Pakistan’s continued progress towards regulatory modernisation and institutional strengthening, with SIFC playing a pivotal role in advancing these efforts.