The Pakistani Federal Health authorities have imposed a strict ban on the announcement of therapeutic goods – including bound drugs, herbal remedies, food products, and medical devices – without previous regulatory approval.
Under the newly introduced Therapeutic bases (advertising), 2025All promotional activities should now be disinfected by a dedicated panel.
According to the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Authority (DRAP), the new rules prohibit pharmaceutical companies, health care providers and media platforms from advertising drugs, medical devices and alternative treatments without clear approval from the Organizational Council. Politics aims to prevent misleading claims and ensure public safety.
DRAP Asim Rauf’s CEO has highlighted that unorganized health products ads, especially on social media, are serious risks to consumers. He stressed that under the new framework, companies must obtain approval from the DRAP advertising council before promoting any treatment product.
While the printed and electronic media has generally adhered to moral advertising practices, modern counterparts have confirmed newspapers that publish misleading drug ads on the need for more strict supervision.
The notification determines a framework for monitoring and enforcement to regulate healthcare ads. The newly established board of directors will review marketing materials to ensure compliance with scientific accuracy and moral standards. Violations of these guidelines will lead to strict penalties, including fines and possible cancellation of marketing rights.
Restrictions apply to all media, including printed, electronic and digital platforms. Pharmaceutical companies and health products manufacturers must provide their promotional content for review to prevent exaggerated claims about effectiveness, safety or excellence.
