Pakistan could face shortages of life-saving medicines, vaccines, and baby formula if the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continues to disrupt international flights and global supply chains.
According to a report by Express Tribune, the suspension of several international flights has already begun affecting imports of medicines, pharmaceutical raw materials, and vaccines into Pakistan.
Importers warn that if the disruption persists, it could lead to serious shortages of critical drugs and sharp increases in prices across the pharmaceutical market.
Industry sources say Pakistan currently has pharmaceutical raw material stocks sufficient for only about one and a half to two months, raising concerns about supply stability if transport routes remain affected.
Representatives from the pharmaceutical sector said the country remains heavily dependent on imported inputs for medicine production. Around 55 to 60 percent of raw materials are sourced from India, while 40 to 45 percent come from China.
Mohammad Atif Hanif Baloch warned that prices of life-saving medicines have already been rising unofficially in the market and could increase further if the conflict continues to disrupt supply chains.
He said medicines used for cancer treatment, diabetes management, insulin therapy, and heart disease could become significantly more expensive in the coming weeks.
Healthcare experts also cautioned that Pakistan relies heavily on imports of baby formula and several vaccines, meaning prolonged disruptions in transportation routes through Gulf region could trigger shortages.
Experts warned that such shortages could place additional pressure on Pakistan’s healthcare system, especially if the conflict continues to affect regional airspace and logistics networks.
Also read: Pakistan Partially Restores Gulf Flights After Disruptions
