No 2D barcode, no sale as Pakistan steps up crackdown on counterfeit medicines
— October 15, 2026ISLAMABAD (AIA) Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has reaffirmed the Health Ministry’s commitment to eliminating counterfeit medicines from Pakistan, stressing that 2D barcodes will be mandatory on all medicines sold in the country.
He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad today to review trials of the 2D barcode system aimed at preventing the sale of counterfeit medicines.
Kamal said the ministry had been working on implementing the system for the past 18 months. Under the requirements, local and multinational pharmaceutical companies must include 2D barcodes and serial numbers on medicines they manufacture.
Imported medicines will also be barred from sale anywhere in the country without a 2D barcode, the minister said.
During the meeting, the chief executive officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) briefed participants on the implementation of 2D barcodes and the serialisation of medicines.
The meeting was informed that DRAP has completed relevant training for representatives of pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to support the implementation process.
