Islamabad: Pakistan has made progress in local vaccine production, officials confirmed after Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met his Saudi counterpart. The meetings focused on investment, technical cooperation, and boosting domestic manufacturing capacity. Officials described the development as a key step toward ensuring safe and sufficient vaccines for the country.
The Health Ministry spokesperson said three meetings were held between the two ministers. Discussions covered vaccine manufacturing, pharmaceutical industry development, and industrial collaboration. Saudi Arabia is sending an 11-member high-level delegation to Pakistan to further these plans.
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Both sides appointed focal persons for coordination. Pakistan designated Dr. Ubaid, CEO of DRAP, while Saudi Arabia appointed senior adviser Nizar Al-Hariri. Dr. Ubaid also held six separate meetings with the Saudi adviser to advance the collaboration framework.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan is committed to producing vaccines locally. He emphasized that the Saudi delegation’s visit is a decisive step. Local vaccine production will help meet national demand and ensure safe, high-quality vaccines for all citizens.
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Officials highlighted that local production will reduce reliance on imports, enhance public health security, and strengthen Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry. The government confirmed that ensuring vaccine availability is a top priority for 2026 and beyond.