Pakistan's finance minister has called for a fundamental shift in how the country sets medicine prices, insisting that decisions must be grounded in transparency and scientific evidence rather than opaque negotiations. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb made the remarks while presiding over a high-level cabinet committee meeting focused on the recommendations of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Main Developments During the 8th session of the cabinet committee—constituted by the Prime Minister to review DRAP's proposals—Aurangzeb stressed that pricing decisions must be consultative and guided by the broader public interest. The committee received a detailed presentation from DRAP covering new drug price fixation cases, hardship applications, pricing matters, and the availability of essential medicines. The finance minister specifically underscored the need to balance patient access to essential medicines with the sustainability of the pharmaceutical supply chain and affordability for patients. He also called for clear public engagement to explain the rationale behind decisions affecting critical medicines, according to the Finance Division. Read also: Pakistan Bonds Dip 0.5% After New US Tariff Announcement Background DRAP serves as Pakistan's key regulatory body responsible for approving and registering new medicines, aligning with international pharmaceutical practices. In April 2026, the authority achieved a significant milestone when its first drug testing laboratory secured prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO). That certification is expected to enhance the global credibility of Pakistan's pharmaceutical quality framework and boost exports. The cabinet committee meeting marked the eighth time the group had convened to consider DRAP's recommendations, indicating an ongoing effort to reform how medicine prices are determined in the country. Why It Matters Transparent, evidence-based drug pricing directly affects millions of Pakistani patients who depend on affordable access to essential medicines. Without clear criteria and public accountability, pricing decisions risk favoring either pharmaceutical companies at the expense of patients or vice versa, potentially destabilizing the supply of critical drugs. Aurangzeb's emphasis on evidence and consultation signals a push to create a more predictable and fair pricing environment that could strengthen both public health outcomes and industry confidence. What's Next The committee is expected to continue reviewing DRAP's recommendations, including those related to hardship applications and new drug price fixations. No specific timeline for final decisions was announced, but the finance minister's directive for clear public engagement suggests that future pricing changes may be accompanied by more detailed explanatory materials. DRAP's WHO prequalification also opens the door for expanded pharmaceutical exports, which could influence pricing strategies going forward.