In a landmark move to strengthen public health and safeguard citizens from counterfeit medicines, the Federal Cabinet has approved the nationwide implementation of a Track & Trace System for pharmaceutical products across Pakistan, Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal announced.
The Cabinet has also approved the necessary amendments to the Drug Labeling and Packing Rules, 1978, enabling the introduction of a modern digital system for tracking and verifying medicines throughout the supply chain.
“This decision marks a major and historic step towards eliminating counterfeit, fake, and substandard medicines from Pakistan,” said Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. “For the first time, every medicine in the country will be digitally traceable and verifiable, ensuring greater transparency, safety, and accountability.”
Under the new regulatory framework, all pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be required to place standardized 2D barcodes and serialization data on medicine packaging. The system will enable regulators to monitor medicines from production to consumption, helping identify and eliminate counterfeit products from the market.
The Minister stated that once implemented, consumers will be able to access authentic information regarding a medicine’s expiry date, price, and verification status, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions and enhancing public trust in the pharmaceutical sector.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will oversee the nationwide rollout of the Track & Trace System. DRAP will also issue detailed technical guidelines to facilitate compliance by the pharmaceutical industry. Consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders have already been conducted to ensure a smooth transition.
Mustafa Kamal emphasized that the initiative will significantly strengthen the security and quality of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain, replacing conventional monitoring mechanisms with a modern digital framework. He noted that the adoption of advanced technology will position Pakistan among the leading countries in the region in pharmaceutical regulation and oversight.
“The Track & Trace System will establish a strong and effective barrier against counterfeit medicines and ensure the protection of public health, lives, and trust,” the Minister concluded.
