Our correspondent 

**ISLAMABAD:** In a major breakthrough aimed at eradicating counterfeit and sub-standard medicines from the country, the government has decided to implement the **Pharma Track & Trace System** across Pakistan starting this year.

According to sources, a strict deadline of **October 9** has been established for the mandatory installation of a barcoding system on all medicine packets. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will oversee the nationwide rollout and enforcement of this digital tracking mechanism.

### Scope and Regulatory Framework

The mandate applies across the board, covering both **human and veterinary** pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, as well as importers. Under the new regulations, companies are legally required to print **2D barcodes** and serialization data on the packaging of every medicine unit.

The legal groundwork for this initiative has already been cleared. The Federal Cabinet previously granted formal approval for the Track & Trace System by sanctioning necessary amendments to the **Drug Labeling and Packing Rules of 1978**.

### Official Correspondence Issued

To ensure seamless execution, DRAP has dispatched official letters to key stakeholders and industry representative bodies, including:

 * Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA)

 * Pharma Bureau

 * Pakistan Veterinary Manufacturers Association (PVMA)

 * Pakistan Chemists & Druggists Association (PCDA)

Furthermore, directives have been sent to provincial Directors General (DG) of Drug Control and Chief Drug Inspectors to ensure strict compliance at the provincial and retail levels. Pharmaceutical companies have been instructed to finalize all technical and logistical arrangements well ahead of the October 9 deadline.

**Empowering Consumers:** The biggest beneficiaries of this system will be the general public. Consumers will be able to digitally verify the authenticity of any medicine themselves using their smartphones to scan the 2D barcode.


### Eliminating the Menace of Fake Medicine

Sources within the health sector state that this system will make it virtually impossible for counterfeit or substandard drugs to penetrate the supply chain. By scanning the barcode, users will get instant, verified access to critical data, including:

 * **The authenticity of the drug**

 * **The exact expiry date**

 * **Directions for use**

 * **The government-approved retail price**

DRAP has already concluded its consultative sessions with all relevant stakeholders to address implementation challenges. Officials are optimistic that this move will permanently transform Pakistan's healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape, ensuring public safety through digital transparency.