KARACHI – July 10, 2025: Karachi is facing a deepening crisis due to an artificial shortage of life-saving medicines, pushing patients into distress and raising alarm among health officials. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has decided to launch a citywide crackdown on hoarders and black market operators responsible for creating the shortage.
Patients and their families reported severe shortages of essential drugs, especially imported insulin injections, cancer medications, and cardiac drugs. In many pharmacies, stocks have vanished, while the same medicines are being sold illegally at inflated prices, up to 20% above retail. Some people have had to visit five or six pharmacies before finding what they need — if at all.
Sources say certain suppliers and distributors are deliberately holding back stock to create demand and raise prices illegally. As a result, even government hospitals are struggling to provide medicines to critical patients. The shortage has disproportionately affected low-income families, who cannot afford black-market rates.
DRAP officials acknowledged the widespread unavailability of key medicines in Karachi and called it “unacceptable.” They stated that the authority will take strict regulatory and legal action against anyone found hoarding or price gouging. Market inspections and surprise raids are being planned in collaboration with health departments and local law enforcement.
The authority said restoring the supply of essential medicines in the market is now a top national health priority. DRAP also urged pharmacies and distributors to cooperate and maintain transparency in inventory records. Citizens have been advised to report cases of overpricing or non-availability on DRAP’s helpline or online portal.