KARACHI: Pakistan has launched a large-scale crackdown against counterfeit and unregistered medicines following directives from Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, as authorities move to dismantle illegal pharmaceutical networks accused of endangering public health through the production and distribution of fake drugs.
The nationwide anti-counterfeit campaign comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of unregistered medicines, illegal injections, and substandard pharmaceutical products in major urban markets, particularly Karachi.
According to the Ministry of National Health Services, coordinated enforcement operations were conducted in Karachi over the past three months by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) between February and May 2026.
Officials said authorities carried out at least 10 major raids targeting illegal drug manufacturing units and counterfeit medicine factories operating in different areas of the city. Several unauthorized facilities involved in the production of unregistered injectable medicines were also identified during the operations.
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During the raids, law enforcement agencies reportedly recovered large quantities of counterfeit and unregistered medicines, packaging materials, fake branded pharmaceutical products, machinery, and raw materials associated with controlled substances, including tramadol.
Multiple suspects linked to the illegal pharmaceutical trade were arrested, while legal proceedings have been initiated under The Drugs Act, 1976 against those allegedly involved in manufacturing and distributing fake medicines.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the government would show “no leniency” toward individuals involved in activities that compromise patient safety and public health.
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He stated that ensuring the availability of safe, quality-assured medicines remains a top priority for the government, adding that enforcement agencies would continue operations against illegal drug networks across the country.
Public health experts have repeatedly warned that counterfeit medicines pose serious risks, including treatment failure, drug resistance, toxic reactions, and preventable deaths. Healthcare professionals say stronger regulation, stricter enforcement, and improved pharmaceutical supply chain monitoring remain essential to protecting patients from unsafe medicines.
The latest operations are being viewed as one of the most significant enforcement actions in recent years against illegal pharmaceutical activities in Karachi, a city that has long faced challenges related to unregistered drug manufacturing and black-market medicine distribution.
Authorities have indicated that further raids and investigations are expected as the nationwide crackdown continues.
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