An eleven-member high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia is arriving in Pakistan today to advance discussions on establishing local vaccine manufacturing, a move seen as a significant step towards the nation's goal of self-reliance in the health sector.
The visit is expected to solidify bilateral cooperation in pharmaceuticals and industrial collaboration, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services.
This development follows seven months of sustained diplomatic engagement led by Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal. The minister has conducted three meetings with his Saudi counterpart and an additional meeting with the Saudi Minister of Industry.
Discussions during these high-level talks focused on local vaccine production, investment opportunities, and technical cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector.
To ensure effective coordination, both countries formally designated focal persons. Dr. Obaid, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), was appointed from Pakistan's side, while Mr. Nizar Y. Al-Hariri, Senior Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Industry, was nominated by the Kingdom.
The two representatives have since held six detailed meetings to progress technical and operational elements of the potential partnership, the ministry confirmed.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the Saudi delegation's visit is expected to be a "decisive step towards giving practical shape to the process of local vaccine manufacturing in Pakistan."
He reaffirmed the administration's commitment to establishing domestic production facilities. The minister noted that the initiative aims not only to meet national immunisation needs but also to generate a surplus for export, contributing to economic stability.
Mr. Kamal emphasised that ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality vaccines for the public remains the government's top priority.