A Pakistani pharmaceutical company has secured World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification for its Astola manufacturing facility on November 2, 2026. This marks the second production site for the company to receive international recognition, according to an announcement made by executive chairman Khalid Mahmood on Saturday night.
Addressing a group of physicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals at the Astola facility, Khalid Mahmood stated that the achievement represents a major milestone for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry. He said the recognition would strengthen international confidence in Pakistani medicines and create new opportunities for exports. This follows the WHO prequalification of Getz Pharma’s first manufacturing facility in 2017.
Khalid Mahmood, who identified the company as Pakistan’s largest pharmaceutical firm, said the company demonstrated that locally manufactured medicines could meet international quality requirements and compete in demanding overseas markets. He stated that the recognition was not merely an achievement for the company but also for Pakistan, its healthcare professionals, and millions of patients who depend on safe, effective, and affordable medicines.
“Pakistan has the talent, expertise and industrial capacity to manufacture medicines that meet international standards,” Khalid Mahmood said. He added that greater international acceptance of Pakistani pharmaceutical products could strengthen the country’s image as a reliable manufacturing destination. Mahmood explained that WHO prequalification is significant because an international regulatory body is 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. He said that continued investment in modern manufacturing technology, quality assurance systems, and skilled professionals was essential for improving Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market.
