Web Desk: Five leading multinational Pharma Firms have exited or transferred their manufacturing operations in Pakistan over the past three years, the National Assembly was told on Friday. Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal confirmed that Bayer, ICI Pakistan, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer and Novartis have all divested their local production facilities, handing over operations to domestic firms
Operations Continue Under New Management
The minister clarified that the facilities remain operational under new ownership, ensuring that the supply of essential medicines is maintained without interruption. He described the moves as a “strategic shift” rather than a complete shutdown of production lines.
List of Divested Units
The divestments include Bayer’s Lahore plant, ICI Pakistan’s multi-city operations, Sanofi’s Korangi industrial unit, Pfizer’s S.I.T.E. Karachi facility and Novartis’ West Wharf site. Apart from Pharma Firms several multinational companies have also halted their operations in Pakistan.
No Reasons Provided
The National Assembly briefing did not provide specific reasons for the companies’ decisions to divest. Analysts suggest such moves often reflect global strategic priorities or local market adjustments rather than immediate business failures.
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