Pakistan moves closer to local vaccine manufacturing with Saudi Arabia’s strategic support
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a major step toward achieving self-reliance in vaccine production, as a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrives in Islamabad to advance bilateral cooperation in health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial development.
According to the Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the visit of the eleven-member Saudi delegation marks a critical milestone in Pakistan’s long-term vision of producing vaccines locally. The initiative is part of broader national efforts to strengthen health security and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.
The spokesperson said this breakthrough follows sustained diplomatic and technical engagement over the past seven months led by the Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal. During this period, the Federal Health Minister held three formal meetings with his Saudi counterpart, focusing on local vaccine manufacturing, foreign investment, and technical cooperation.
In addition to health-sector discussions, Syed Mustafa Kamal also met with the Saudi Minister of Industry to explore partnerships in vaccine manufacturing, the pharmaceutical sector, and wider industrial collaboration. These engagements resulted in the formal appointment of focal persons to ensure continuous coordination and structured follow-up.
From Pakistan’s side, Dr. Obaid, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), was nominated as the focal person. From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Nizar Y. Al-Hariri, Senior Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Industry, was appointed to lead coordination. In continuation of these efforts, the CEO DRAP has already held six detailed meetings with the Saudi Ministry of Industry’s advisor to advance technical and operational discussions, including regulatory alignment and production standards.
Pakistan currently relies heavily on imported vaccines for its Expanded Programme on Immunisation, which serves millions of children each year. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, highlighting the importance of domestic production capacity for essential health products.
Health officials believe that local vaccine manufacturing will lower long-term costs, ensure a stable supply of lifesaving vaccines, and strengthen Pakistan’s preparedness for future public health emergencies. Regulatory oversight by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan will remain central to ensuring that any locally produced vaccines meet international safety and quality standards.
Ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality vaccines for the public remains the government’s top priority, the Federal Health Minister emphasized. With Saudi Arabia’s support in investment and technology, authorities are optimistic that Pakistan can move from planning to production in the coming phases.
This evolving partnership reflects a broader shift toward health diplomacy and industrial collaboration, positioning Pakistan to become a regional player in vaccine manufacturing while improving national health outcomes.
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