These 5 Pharma Companies Strategically Shift Operations from Pakistan

Five major multinational pharmaceutical companies have exited or shut down their manufacturing operations in Pakistan over the past three years, the National Assembly has been informed. Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Friday confirmed that Bayer, ICI Pakistan, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, and Novartis have all divested their local manufacturing units, transferring operations to domestic companies. He said the facilities continue to function under new ownership to ensure the supply of essential medicines is not disrupted. According to the minister, the divestments represent a “strategic shift” by the companies rather than a closure of production lines. The exits include: No reasons for the exits were provided in the assembly briefing. In light of the information published, Lucky Core Industries Limited (LCI, formerly ICI Pakistan Limited) confirms that no divestment of its local pharmaceuticals manufacturing unit has taken place in the last three years. Over the past decade, LCI has expanded its presence in the pharmaceuticals sector through several strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening its pharmaceuticals footprint, with the most recent being the assets acquisition from Pfizer Pakistan Limited and the other relevant Pfizer entities, completed in September 2024. LCI remains dedicated to its Pharmaceuticals Business in Pakistan. With strategic focus on innovation, geographic expansion, and strengthening access to healthcare, the Company remains committed to delivering reliable solutions for patients and stakeholders. In response, Bayer Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd. stated that it continues to operate in Pakistan, as it has done since its inception in 1963. The company operates two healthcare divisions, Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health, providing quality prescription medicines for various medical conditions, along with non-prescription products for self-care and wellbeing. It also runs a Crop Science business offering high-quality, innovative seed and crop protection products to farmers across the country. In 2023, Bayer transferred selected assets from its healthcare business, including a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant based in Lahore, to a local company with a strong presence in Pakistan. This development was described as part of the company’s strategic intent to transform its pharmaceutical business globally for long-term, sustainable growth. Bayer reaffirmed its longstanding presence in Pakistan’s healthcare and agriculture sectors and its continued commitment to delivering value for customers, stakeholders, and society under its global mission: Health for All, Hunger for None.