Professor Dr. Saleh Abdullah Bawazir, former Vice President of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, visited DRAP on 21 Nov 2025 and held substantive talks with senior leadership to advance Pakistan’s regulatory agenda. The delegation met with the Federal Minister for NHSR&C Syed Mustafa Kamal, Dr. Obaidullah, CEO DRAP, and senior DRAP officers to discuss concrete steps toward achieving WHO Maturity Level 3.
The meeting included industry representation from Syed Anees Ahmad, Managing Director of Abbott Laboratories, the Executive Director of the Pharma Bureau and other sector stakeholders who laid out practical challenges and recommendations for meeting WHO standards. Prof. Bawazir shared his experience from the Saudi regulatory framework and reiterated his willingness to support DRAP’s efforts to reach WHO benchmarks.
Dr. Obaidullah underlined that DRAP has already adopted a reliance mechanism and is prioritizing completion of all Institutional Development Plans ahead of the upcoming WHO audit. The reliance approach and timely implementation of IDPs are being pursued to strengthen regulatory performance and credibility as part of the push for WHO Maturity Level 3.
The Federal Minister emphasised the need to harmonise Pakistan’s pharmaceutical quality standards with international norms so local manufacturers can better compete in global markets. Stakeholders were assured that the Ministry will support initiatives that accelerate regulatory improvements and industry compliance to international standards.
Representatives of the Pharma Bureau presented targeted recommendations to address gaps in quality assurance, inspection readiness and documentation, while industry leaders committed to closer collaboration with DRAP. With external technical support and firm internal measures, authorities aim to make measurable progress toward WHO Maturity Level 3 in the coming months.
