Sat Apr 26 17:07:15 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Scrambles for Drug Supplies After India Trade Halt

**ISLAMABAD** – Pakistan is racing to secure alternative sources of pharmaceutical supplies after suspending all trade with India following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. The move, announced Thursday, has left Pakistan facing a potential crisis, as it relies on India for 30-40% of its pharmaceutical raw materials, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and critical medicines like anti-cancer therapies and vaccines.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has confirmed it is developing contingency plans, exploring alternative suppliers in China, Russia, and Europe to ensure the continued availability of essential medicines. A senior DRAP official stated that preparations for such a scenario began after a similar crisis in 2019. However, concerns remain about potential shortages, particularly of anti-rabies vaccines, anti-snake venom, and other life-saving drugs.

A senior official from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, speaking anonymously, highlighted the dependence on India for finished products, emphasizing the potential impact on patient care. The Ministry, however, has yet to receive official clarification on the status of pharmaceutical imports despite the government’s broad trade suspension.

The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has urged the government to exempt the pharmaceutical sector from the ban, citing the life-saving nature of many affected products. A delegation met with government officials to plead their case, emphasizing the potential for critical shortages and highlighting the reliance on India for raw materials of many essential medicines. The robust black market for unregistered medicines offers a precarious alternative, but raises significant quality and consistency concerns.

While the DRAP’s efforts offer some reassurance, experts warn of significant challenges if immediate action isn’t taken. Some see the crisis as a catalyst for long-term investment in domestic API and vaccine production. The trigger for the trade suspension was a Tuesday terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed by a Pakistan-based group. The attack, which killed 26 people, prompted India to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, leading to Pakistan’s retaliatory trade halt.

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