13/09/2025
Crackdown on Spurious Medicines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: PQCB Disposes of 96 Cases in Two Days
As part of the implementation of the Good Governance Roadmap, the Provincial Quality Control Board (PQCB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the chairmanship of Secretary Health, Mr. Shahid Ullah Khan, convened its 345th and 346th meetings on 10th and 11th September 2025 in Peshawar. The meetings were attended by board members, representatives of the Pakistan Chemist & Druggist Association (PCDA), and the Provincial Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA).
During these two sessions, the Board addressed cases reported under Section 11 of the Drug Act 1976 by Drug Inspectors from the Directorate General Drug Control & Pharmacy Services. Cases from multiple districts—including Peshawar, Charsadda, Haripur, Bannu, Mardan, Nowshera, Battagram, D.I. Khan, Kohat, and Mansehra—were thoroughly examined in the presence of the accused, concerned Drug Inspectors, and Drug Testing Laboratory officials.
A total of 96 cases were decided, with actions as follows:
• 29 FIRs were lodged.
• 36 cases were referred to Drug Courts
• 18 cases were referred to the Appellate Laboratory (NIH Islamabad) for retesting under 22 (5) of the Drug Act 1976.
• 7 warnings issued
• 2 cases remanded to Drug Inspectors.
• 4 cases deferred to the next Board meeting
• Drug sale licenses cancelled and medical outlets sealed for selling spurious and medicines
The Board reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards the supply of counterfeit medicines and directed the launch of a province-wide awareness and enforcement campaign against the spurious drug trade. It also instructed representatives of PCDA and PPMA to initiate awareness within their respective sectors, emphasizing strict purchases from authorized distributors, maintaining purchase warranties, and ensuring compliance with all drug laws. Rules and regulations.
Citizens are strongly urged to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and to report any suspicious or unregistered drugs to the nearest Drug Inspector or the Directorate General Drug Control & Pharmacy Services, Health Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
