In letter to PM, TI alleges regulatory lapses, Drug Act violations
Tahir Niaz April 09, 2025
ISLAMABAD – Transparency International (TI) Pakistan has sent a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting alleged regulatory lapses, violations of the Drug Act 2012, and the non-appointment of Federal Inspectors of Drugs (FIDs) within the pharmaceutical sector.
Despite the 2017 notification of Medical Devices Rules, manufacturers and importers are allegedly failing to apply for necessary approvals within the stipulated time, submitting incomplete applications leading to repeated delays, said the letter. Pharmaceutical companies, particularly medical device manufacturers, are reportedly exploiting these delays to seek last-minute extensions annually, allegedly manipulating the market by creating artificial shortages and selling products at exorbitant prices.
The federal government has been accused of failing to curb the influence of the pharmaceutical industry, allowing it to operate with minimal oversight and accountability. No new Federal Inspectors of Drugs have been officially notified in the last two and a half years, the letter said. Only two FIDs are currently operational nationwide, leaving the sector largely unmonitored.
