Pakistan Faces Medicine Shortage Amid Middle East Conflict Disrupting Imports

Pakistan is experiencing a critical shortage of essential medicines due to disruptions in importing pharmaceutical raw materials amid the Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The country's current stock is estimated to last about 45 days. Suspension of international flights has also affected imports of medicines, ingredients, and baby formula. Patients with chronic illnesses and infants relying on imported nutrition face increased risks. Experts have long warned about Pakistan's dependence on imports and limited domestic production capacity, which has left it vulnerable to such supply disruptions.