KARACHI: 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 night.
Addressing physicians, surgeons and healthcare professionals gathered at the Astola facility, Khalid Mahmood described the achievement as a major milestone for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry, saying it would strengthen international confidence in Pakistani medicines and create new opportunities for exports. The announcement follows the WHO prequalification of Getz Pharma’s first manufacturing facility in 2017.
Khalid Mahmood said the company, which is Pakistan’s largest pharmaceutical firm, had demonstrated that locally manufactured medicines could meet international quality requirements and compete in demanding overseas markets.
He said the latest recognition was not merely an achievement for the company but also for Pakistan, its healthcare professionals and millions of patients who depended on safe, effective and affordable medicines.
“Pakistan has the talent, expertise and industrial capacity to manufacture medicines that meet international standards,” Khalid Mahmood said, adding that greater international acceptance of Pakistani pharmaceutical products could strengthen the country’s image as a reliable manufacturing destination.
Khalid Mahmood said WHO prequalification was important because an international regulatory body was endorsing the company’s quality control, manufacturing processes, good manufacturing practices, quality assurance systems and safety standards.
Deputy Managing Director Zeeshan Ahmed described the development as an important achievement, saying continued investment in modern manufacturing technology, quality assurance systems and skilled professionals was essential for improving Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market.
Bariatric surgeon Dr Fahad Mirza and members of the Pakistan Aesthetic Surgery Society congratulated the company’s leadership, saying such achievements could boost confidence in locally manufactured medicines.