Getz Pharma’s Astola Facility Receives WHO Prequalification in Pakistan

KARACHI: (Staff Reporter) – Pakistan’s pharmaceutical company Getz Pharma has secured World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification for its Astola manufacturing facility, marking its second production site to receive the prestigious international recognition.

The certification was granted on November 2, 2026, Executive Chairman Khalid Mahmood announced on Saturday night while addressing physicians, surgeons and healthcare professionals at the facility.

Describing the development as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry, Mahmood said the recognition would enhance global confidence in locally manufactured medicines and open up further opportunities for pharmaceutical exports.

The latest achievement follows the WHO prequalification of Getz Pharma’s first manufacturing facility in 2017.

Mahmood said the company, which is Pakistan’s largest pharmaceutical firm, had demonstrated that medicines produced locally could meet international quality standards and compete in highly regulated global markets.

He said the recognition was not only an achievement for the company but also for Pakistan, its healthcare professionals and millions of patients relying on safe, effective and affordable medicines.

“Pakistan has the talent, expertise and industrial capacity to manufacture medicines that meet international standards,” Mahmood said, adding that greater international acceptance of Pakistani pharmaceutical products could help establish the country as a dependable manufacturing destination.

He explained that WHO prequalification represented international recognition of the company’s quality control measures, manufacturing processes, good manufacturing practices, quality assurance systems and safety standards.

Deputy Managing Director Zeeshan Ahmed also welcomed the development, describing it as an important achievement for the company and the country. He stressed that continued investment in modern manufacturing technologies, quality assurance systems and skilled professionals was vital to strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global pharmaceutical market.

Bariatric surgeon Dr Fahad Mirza and members of the Pakistan Aesthetic Surgery Society congratulated the company’s leadership, saying the achievement could further strengthen confidence in medicines manufactured in Pakistan.