How DRAP became Pakistan’s ‘reform champion’
Published in: 29 January 2026
Published in: Business Recorder
Since long, drug approvals were defined by months of manual paperwork and red tapes. The regulatory body was often perceived as a policing department, an isolated entity that kept stakeholders at arm’s length. Now DRAP has embraced the vanguard of digital transformation, where regulatory speed is now measured in clicks.
As of January 2026, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) shed its legacy image to become the nation’s “Reform Champion”, a title officially designated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This transformation is more than a change in title; it is a digital metamorphosis that serves as a rare blueprint for how a legacy institution can pivot to meet the demands of the 21st century.
According to the latest data from the government’s official portal, business.gov.pk, DRAP’s regulatory reforms have saved the national economy an estimated PKR 19,000 million (19 billion). This massive saving stems from the systematic simplification of regulatory processes and their digitization including licensing and registration, which has slashed administrative burdens and eliminated the hidden costs of delay. This transformation was achieved by existing human resource of DRAP, which reflect the leadership commitment and progressive approach.
By integrating into the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and launching a comprehensive online application management system, DRAP has transitioned from a physical “gatekeeper” to a digital “enabler.” These reforms have not only boosted investment confidence but have also radically improved the “Ease of Doing Business” in the pharmaceutical sector, a model that should be adopted across other government service delivery organizations to catalyze national economic growth.
The shift to a “Digital-First” strategy under the leadership of Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and CEO Dr Obaidullah has delivered a profound environmental dividend. By moving toward 100 percent digital operations (expected by June 2026), DRAP is making a significant contribution to the Green Economy.
The reduction in physical paperwork and the elimination of manual filing have substantially lowered the Authority’s carbon footprint. Most notably, the digital transition has slashed the daily “footfall” of visitors at DRAP offices, once peaking at 300 individuals daily, to less than 40 visitors on only two designated days per week. This reduction in physical commuting translates directly into lower carbon emissions and reduced urban congestion, aligning the authority with global environmental sustainability goals.
The impact on the industry has been immediate. The transition from manual to digital filing has shattered previous processing windows. Issuance of export certificates has been significantly reduced from 30 days to just 7 days. Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports grew by an unprecedented 34% in the last fiscal year, reaching a historic high of $457 million, with a target of reaching the multi-billion dollar threshold by 2030. A new fast-track mechanism for Novel therapies including oncology, vaccines, and blood products has reduced approval windows to a record 90 days, greatly improving patient access to critical medicine nationwide.
DRAP is not resting on its laurels. The Authority is currently spearheading the development of National Medicine Policy, National Vaccine Policy and the National Medical Devices Policy. National Medicine Policy will be a cornerstone of national health security, designed to optimize the pharmaceutical value chain, ensure supply chain resilience, and drive socio-economic growth by transitioning toward mere formulation to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) manufacturing and self-reliance. Other policy frameworks are designed to foster indigenous manufacturing, reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imports and ensuring the local availability of essential medical technologies.
Looking ahead, DRAP is upgrading its entire regulatory framework to align with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) and international standards like Pharmaceutical Inspection Corporation Scheme (PIC/s). This alignment is expected to act as a force multiplier for exports, as Pakistani-made therapeutic goods will carry a “global seal of trust,” while domestic public health is safeguarded by the same quality parameters used in the world’s most advanced economies.
The designation of “Reform Champion” has served as a powerful catalyst for internal change. This high-level state appreciation has instilled a renewed sense of confidence and mission across the organization’s workforce. By acknowledging the dedication required to overhaul a legacy system, the accolade has significantly boosted employee morale, proving that merit-based recognition is essential for sustaining the momentum of public sector reform.
As DRAP completes its journey toward becoming a paperless, international-standard regulator, it stands as a testament to the power of digital reform. DRAP is no longer an isolated authority, it operates as a dynamic partner that takes all stakeholders on board, fostering a culture of collaboration that cements its status as a credible, and trustworthy regulator. It is no longer just a regulator of medicines; it is an architect of a healthier, prosperous, and greener Pakistan.
