The Pharma Bureau is a representative body of multinational pharmaceuticals in Pakistan. Part of the Overseas Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Pharma Bureau was founded in October, 1988, when a small group of like-minded research based multinational pharmaceutical companies felt the need to have their own separate forum to articulate and resolve the problems and issues confronting overseas investors in the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan. The issues were manifold and diverse, and required a focused and concentrated approach in projecting and solving common collective business interests for the group. Today there are 21 multinational companies manufacturing and marketing a wide range of excellent quality research based human pharmaceutical products, of which 20 are members of Pharma Bureau. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Industry is an essential, high technology and a strategically important industry. It is an industry which manufactures a wide range of research based life- saving and enhancing medicines and is a major contributor to the health of the people of Pakistan, and to the economic health of the Country. Without a strong domestic pharmaceutical sector, which directly supplies almost 80% of Pakistan’s total pharmaceutical needs, Pakistan would have fewer resources to pay for adequate health and social care. Pharma Bureau’s members collectively represent one of the largest financial investments not just in the Pharmaceutical Industry but within Pakistan, i.e., 20 dedicated and full committed foreign companies. The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan started its development almost immediately after the independence in 1947. All along, research based multinational pharmaceutical companies setup and provided for much needed technological expertise and investment, providing the latest innovative quality medicines to the citizens of Pakistan. For over 65 years, these research based multinational pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan have fuelled the nation’s developing economy – providing employment to thousands, investing in the latest hi-tech plants, supporting local ancillary industries and contributing vastly to the national exchequer. The multinational companies have always regarded the purity of compounds and their stringent quality control standards as the basis on which they have built their respective businesses, and gained the trust and confidence of doctors and patients alike. Pharma Bureau’s members have pioneered all life-saving drugs introduced into Pakistan, and have always made them consistently available throughout the country at the most economical prices possible. These prices continue to remain amongst the lowest in the region. As responsible corporate citizens, our members have disseminated valuable medical, technical and scientific information to the medical profession and all other interested groups, in order to keep them abreast of the latest international trends and developments, furthering their knowledge in this vital field. Pharma Bureau members have always respected and upheld their social obligations and have been front runners over the years in coming to the aid and relief of the people of Pakistan in times of national emergencies. Our members have also endlessly donated and helped various worthy social welfare organizations and provided for other CSR related activities for the betterment of the country and its people. As successful role models, our members have always encouraged potential foreign investment in Pakistan having invested billions of rupees themselves, particularly in the pharmaceutical and overall health care sector. The performance of our members points to a consistently committed and ethically sound track record. We are convinced that our aspirations for the future of Pakistan and the well-being of its people will produce the most precious commodity of all – better health of all Pakistanis.
