Overview
- Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced a plan to lift exports of medicines and medical equipment from roughly $1 billion to $30 billion in the coming years.
- He said Pakistan aims to produce domestically all vaccines it currently imports within about 12 to 18 months, replacing an estimated $500 million in annual imports.
- The government reported ongoing talks with manufacturers and authorities from China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to support local vaccine production and technology transfer.
- Kamal projected savings of $500 million now and potential avoidance of nearly $1 billion in future import costs, with an eye to exporting WHO-standard vaccines made in Pakistan.
- The announcement came at the Health Asia-2025 exhibition in Karachi, which officials described as drawing participants from more than 50 countries and serving to court investment and partners.