TLDR: Islamabad is set to host the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and 4th Pharma Export Summit & Awards (PESA 2025) on September 24th. The event will bring together global pharmaceutical leaders to discuss critical topics including boosting medicine exports, the role of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, and adherence to international quality standards. This comes as Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports hit a record $457 million in FY25, a 34% increase.
Islamabad, Pakistan – September 21, 2025 – Global pharmaceutical experts, regulators, and industry leaders are set to converge in Islamabad on September 24th for a pivotal two-day event: the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and the 4th Pharma Export Summit & Awards (PESA 2025). This high-profile gathering aims to foster strategic dialogue on key challenges and opportunities facing the global pharmaceutical sector, with a particular focus on medicine exports, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery, and the enhancement of quality standards.
The summit arrives at a significant juncture for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry, which has demonstrated remarkable growth. According to recent figures, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports reached an unprecedented $457 million in Fiscal Year 2025, marking a substantial 34% increase—the highest growth recorded in two decades. This impressive performance sets the stage for discussions on how the industry can further build resilience, expand into highly regulated international markets, and leverage innovation to solidify its global standing.
The agenda features a distinguished lineup of international speakers. Jim Harris from Canada will lead a session on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, highlighting cutting-edge advancements. Dr. Zakieh Al-Kurdi from USP, EMEA, will delve into critical regulatory policy frameworks, while Prof. Khalid Ahmad Sheikh from UCL, UK, will address the importance of cultivating a robust culture of quality within pharmaceutical manufacturing. Dr. Geoff Tsen from USP, Greater China, will contribute insights on industry resilience and the implementation of global standards. The event will be expertly moderated by Laura Roche, an international MC known for her work at global forums, including Expo 2020 Dubai.
A central theme of the summit will be compliance with international benchmarks. Discussions will emphasize the necessity of certifications from esteemed bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). These certifications are increasingly recognized as indispensable for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical products to gain entry into advanced global markets.
Senior government officials, including Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and the CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), are slated to address the forum, alongside prominent industry executives. Their participation underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the growth and international competitiveness of the domestic pharmaceutical sector.
The afternoon session will culminate in the PESA 2025 Awards, which will honor companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to driving Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports. The awards will also recognize international achievements in compliance and adherence to global quality standards.
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Dr. Kaiser Waheed, Chairman of the Summit, emphasized the critical timing of the event. “This Summit comes at a decisive moment for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector,” he stated. “While we already produce more than 90% of the country’s medicines domestically, the true test ahead is to compete globally on innovation, quality, and trust — not price alone.” His remarks highlight the strategic shift towards value-driven competition in the international pharmaceutical landscape.
