A Pakistani pharmaceutical company has secured World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification for its Astola manufacturing facility on November 2, 2026, becoming its second production site to receive international recognition, its executive chairman Khalid Mahmood announced on Saturday. Addressing physicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals at the Astola facility, Khalid Mahmood described the achievement as a major milestone for Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry, stating it would strengthen international confidence in Pakistani medicines and create new export opportunities.
The announcement follows the WHO prequalification of Getz Pharma's first manufacturing facility in 2017. Khalid Mahmood said the company, Pakistan's largest pharmaceutical firm, has demonstrated that locally manufactured medicines can meet international quality requirements and compete in demanding overseas markets.
He noted that the recognition is a victory for Pakistan, its healthcare professionals, and millions of patients relying on safe, effective, and affordable medicines. "Pakistan has the talent, expertise, and industrial capacity to manufacture medicines that meet international standards," he added.
Khalid Mahmood explained that WHO prequalification is significant as it serves as an endorsement by an international regulatory body of the company's quality control, manufacturing processes, good manufacturing practices, and safety standards. Deputy Managing Director Zeeshan Ahmed described the development as a vital achievement, emphasizing that continued investment in modern technology and quality assurance systems is essential for improving Pakistan's global competitiveness.
He noted that the facility underwent rigorous inspections to ensure compliance with global health protocols. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Fahad Mirza and members of the Pakistan Aesthetic Surgery Society congratulated the company's leadership, noting that such milestones boost confidence in locally manufactured pharmaceuticals.
They highlighted that the availability of high-quality, locally produced drugs is crucial for the national healthcare system. Industry analysts suggest that this second prequalification will likely pave the way for increased pharmaceutical exports to emerging markets in Africa and Central Asia.
The company plans to further expand its research and development wing to maintain this momentum. The event concluded with a tour of the Astola facility, where guests were briefed on the advanced automation and sterile processing units installed at the site.
These systems are designed to minimize human error and maximize output efficiency. The pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan has been striving to move beyond domestic consumption and establish a footprint in the global supply chain.
This achievement is seen as a positive signal for potential foreign investors looking at the Pakistani healthcare manufacturing sector. As the company prepares to scale up production, it aims to integrate more sustainable energy practices into its manufacturing cycle, aligning with global environmental standards for pharmaceutical production.
The management reiterated its commitment to maintaining these high standards, ensuring that patients across the globe continue to receive reliable and affordable treatment options produced in Pakistan.