Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturer Getz Pharma has secured World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for its Astola manufacturing facility, making it the company’s second production site to receive the international recognition.
Executive Chairman Khalid Mahmood announced the achievement on Saturday night, November 7, 2026, during an event attended by hundreds of physicians, surgeons and healthcare professionals at the Astola facility.
Mahmood described the recognition as a major milestone for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry, saying it would strengthen international confidence in locally manufactured medicines and create new opportunities for exports.
The development follows the WHO prequalification of Getz Pharma’s first manufacturing facility in 2017.
NEPRA Raises Incremental Electricity Rate to Rs25.30 per Unit
WHO Recognition Strengthens Pakistan’s Pharmaceutical Industry
Mahmood said Getz Pharma had demonstrated that medicines manufactured in Pakistan could meet international quality requirements and compete in demanding overseas markets.
He described the achievement as a milestone not only for the company but also for Pakistan, its healthcare professionals and millions of patients who rely on safe, effective and affordable medicines.
“Pakistan has the talent, expertise and industrial capacity to manufacture medicines that meet international standards,” Mahmood said.
He added that greater international acceptance of Pakistani pharmaceutical products could strengthen the country’s reputation as a reliable manufacturing destination.
According to Mahmood, the Astola plant took 12 years to design and complete before becoming operational in 2022. The facility houses six manufacturing units catering to different therapeutic classes.
He explained that WHO prequalification recognises the facility’s quality control, manufacturing processes, Good Manufacturing Practices, quality assurance systems and safety standards.
Getz Pharma Exports Medicines to More Than 45 Countries
Mahmood said the company exports medicines to more than 45 countries and expects the latest recognition to create further opportunities in international markets, particularly in countries seeking reliable suppliers of quality-assured medicines.
Getz Pharma Deputy Managing Director Zeeshan Ahmed also welcomed the development, describing it as an important achievement for the company and Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector.
He said continued investment in modern manufacturing technology, quality assurance systems and skilled professionals remained essential to improving Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market.
Ahmed said Getz Pharma accounts for around 50% of Pakistan’s total pharmaceutical exports, which reach more than 45 countries. He added that the additional WHO prequalification could further strengthen medicine exports to markets with stringent regulatory requirements.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities and maintaining internationally recognised standards to provide consistent-quality medicines to patients in Pakistan and abroad.
Physicians and Surgeons Congratulate Getz Pharma
Bariatric surgeon Dr Fahad Mirza and members of the Pakistan Aesthetic Surgery Society congratulated Getz Pharma’s leadership on the achievement.
They said such international recognition could strengthen confidence in medicines manufactured locally and improve the standing of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.
According to the company, Getz Pharma is the only pharmaceutical company in Pakistan to have achieved both WHO prequalification and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) recognition.
The company said these achievements reflected its longstanding commitment to internationally recognised manufacturing and quality standards.
Company Plans Further Investment
Established in 1995, Getz Pharma has a portfolio of more than 300 products and operates in over 45 countries, according to the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency.
Mahmood said the company would continue investing in manufacturing technology, quality systems and international market development, with the aim of providing quality medicines to patients in Pakistan and around the world.
