ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting today with a delegation of the Pharma Bureau to discuss key policy, regulatory and economic issues concerning the pharmaceutical sector.
The delegation was led by Chairperson of the Pharma Bureau Syed Anis Ahmed and included Co-chair Erum Shakir Rahim; Chief Executive Officer of Haleon Pakistan Limited Qawi Naseer; Chief Executive Officer of Roche Pakistan Hafsa Shamsie; Sajjad Iftikhar; Andleeb Ahmed; and Executive Director of the Pharma Bureau Ayesha T Haq.
During the meeting, the Pharma Bureau delegation provided an overview of the sector’s performance and highlighted developments, including improvements in regulatory processes, increased digitalisation, and enhanced engagement between regulators and stakeholders. Reference was also made to progress towards higher World Health Organisation 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 interests, along with further strengthening of regulatory capacity in line with international standards.
The minister acknowledged the contribution of the pharmaceutical sector to public health, employment generation and overall economic activity. He apprised 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.
