​Pakistan Drug Shortage Crisis: 7 Shocking Impacts of India’s Trade Freeze You Must Know

Following India’s decision to halt bilateral trade, Pakistan is scrambling to secure pharmaceutical imports, with 30–40% of its medicines and raw materials—including critical cancer therapies, vaccines, and antivenoms—historically sourced from its neighbor. The move, linked to escalating tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, risks severe drug shortages and has prompted emergency measures by Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) to seek alternatives from China, Europe, and the Middle East.

While no formal ban on medical imports exists, industry leaders warn that shifting suppliers could delay approvals and inflate costs, jeopardizing affordable healthcare. The crisis revives challenges from 2019, when trade restrictions forced Pakistan to rely on limited Indian humanitarian exemptions. Fears of a black market surge for smuggled, unregulated drugs now loom, compounding public health risks. Pharmaceutical groups have urgently appealed for exemptions, stressing that patients’ lives depend on uninterrupted access.

The standoff underscores how geopolitical conflicts can destabilize essential health systems, leaving vulnerable populations at grave risk. 

​Pakistan Drug Shortage Crisis: 7 Shocking Impacts of India’s Trade Freeze You Must Know

Following India’s abrupt suspension of bilateral trade, Pakistan faces a critical challenge in maintaining its pharmaceutical supply chain, with officials scrambling to avert a public health crisis. The move, reportedly linked to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, threatens to disrupt Pakistan’s access to life-saving medicines and raw materials, 30–40% of which are sourced from India.  

A Fragile Dependency 

For decades, Pakistan’s healthcare sector has relied heavily on Indian imports, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vaccines, and specialized treatments like anti-cancer drugs and anti-venom serums. This dependency deepened after the 2019 Pulwama attack, when India imposed a 200% tariff on Pakistani goods, prompting Islamabad to retaliate by halting most trade. However, exceptions were made for pharmaceuticals due to their humanitarian necessity.  

Now, with India’s latest trade freeze, Pakistani authorities warn of potential shortages. “Disruptions could cripple our ability to treat critical illnesses,” a senior health ministry official anonymously told Geo News. “We’re racing against time to find alternatives.”  

Emergency Measures and Industry Appeals 

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has activated contingency plans developed after the 2019 crisis. While no formal directive has clarified the ban’s impact on medicines, DRAP is urgently exploring suppliers in China, Europe, and the Middle East. However, industry experts caution that switching sources isn’t straightforward.  

“Indian APIs are cost-effective and meet our quality standards,” explained Tauqeer-ul-Haq of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA). “Shifting to new suppliers requires regulatory approvals and price adjustments, which could take months.” The PPMA has petitioned the government to exempt pharmaceuticals from the ban, citing risks to patient care.  

Black Market Fears and Geopolitical Tensions 

The trade halt coincides with heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 tourists were killed by militants linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. India’s firm stance reflects its strategy to pressure Islamabad over cross-border terrorism.  

Meanwhile, Pakistani health officials fear the vacuum left by Indian imports could fuel a dangerous black market. “Smuggled, unregulated drugs from Afghanistan or Iran might flood the market,” warned a DRAP representative. Such products often bypass safety checks, posing significant health risks.  

Long-Term Solutions and Regional Implications 

This crisis underscores Pakistan’s vulnerability to geopolitical shifts. Despite DRAP’s post-2019 efforts to diversify imports, progress has been slow. Experts argue that investing in domestic API production and strengthening regional partnerships with Bangladesh or Indonesia could mitigate future risks.  

For now, the situation remains precarious. As hospitals brace for potential shortages, the episode highlights how political conflicts can ripple into public health emergencies, leaving ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire.  

Why This Matters 

The India-Pakistan trade freeze isn’t just a diplomatic row—it’s a stark reminder of how interconnected global health systems are. For patients relying on affordable Indian medicines, the stakes are life-or-death. The outcome will test Pakistan’s ability to balance geopolitical pressures with the urgent needs of its healthcare system.