Pakistan has a very vibrant and forward looking Pharma Industry. At the time of independence in 1947, there was hardly any pharma industry in the country. Today Pakistan has about 400 pharmaceutical manufacturing units including those operated by 25 multinationals present in the country. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Industry meets around 70% of the country's demand of Finished Medicine. The domestic pharma market, in term of share market is almost evenly divided between the Nationals and the Multinationals.

The National pharma industry has shown a progressive growth over the years, particularly over the last one decade. The industry has invested substantially to upgrade itself in the last few years and today the majority industry is following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), in accordance with the domestic as well as international Guidance. Currently the industry has the capacity to manufacture a variety of product ranging from simple pills to sophisticated Biotech, Oncology and Value Added Generic compounds.

Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association held a gathering to celebrate 60 years of Pharmaceutical Industry in Pakistan on August 28, 2008 at Lahore . Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani was the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Provincial ministers, Parliamentary Secretary of Health, industry entrepreneurs, professionals, officials of the Ministry of Health, other government officials and other prominent persons.