Serialization to Boost Pakistan’s Pharma Exports, Says ICCI President
Islamabad: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) hosted a highly important Capacity Building and Technical Awareness Session organized by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) on 2-D Barcode & Serialization and the Harmonized Performa for Inspection of Pharmaceutical Units at the ICCI premises. The session was widely attended by officials, regulators, technical experts, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.
Addressing the participants as Chief Guest, Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President ICCI, said that the pharmaceutical sector is one of the most sensitive and strategic industries of Pakistan, directly linked with public health, patient safety, national credibility, and export potential. He emphasized that regulatory reforms related to traceability, transparency and quality assurance are national imperatives rather than mere technical requirements.
The ICCI President appreciated DRAP for adopting a facilitative and consultative approach and proactively engaging the industry to ensure smooth implementation of the revised rules. He noted that the introduction of 2-D Barcoding and Serialization is a major step toward aligning Pakistan’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework with international best practices and WHO guidelines, which will help prevent counterfeit medicines, enhance supply-chain integrity, improve recall efficiency, strengthen confidence in locally manufactured products, and facilitate access to regulated international markets.
Reaffirming ICCI’s role, the President said the Chamber remains committed to providing a constructive platform for regulator–industry dialogue, supporting awareness and training initiatives, and advocating for clarity, phased implementation, and continued consultation. He urged pharmaceutical manufacturers to view serialization as an investment in credibility, competitiveness, and export readiness, while expecting regulators to maintain a balanced and facilitative inspection regime during the transition phase.
Earlier, Director Quality Assurance & Laboratory Testing Division, DRAP, briefed participants on the Harmonized Report Writing Performa for Inspectors of Pharmaceutical Units. Ms. Tehreem Sara, Additional Director DRAP, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the 2-D Barcode and Serialization Rules, outlining compliance requirements and implementation mechanisms. Nawaz Ahmed, Secretary General Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA), also addressed the session and shared industry perspectives.
On the occasion, Faisal Muzammal, Chairman PPMA Committee and Chairman ICCI Standing Committee on Pharmaceuticals, was also present and emphasized the need for sustained engagement between DRAP and the industry.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by the Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry emphasizing the resolve to work jointly for ensuring safe and quality medicines, enhanced regulatory credibility, and a globally competitive pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
