Operating a pharmacy in Pakistan without proper licensing is both illegal and dangerous. The regulatory framework is built around the Drugs Act 1976 and enforced through DRAP (the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan), along with provincial health departments.
A pharmacy branch typically requires a drug sales licence from the provincial drug controller, and the premises must be run under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. The shop itself must meet requirements for storage conditions, record keeping, display of licences and separation of prescription from non-prescription products.
Compliance does not stop at the licence. DRAP-aligned supply means buying from licensed and authorised distributors, keeping purchase and sale records, storing medicines correctly and being able to trace products back to their source. These practices are what make a pharmacy genuine and trustworthy.
For franchise investors, the encouraging news is that structured brands handle licensing and compliance as part of their setup process. If you are opening independently, budget time for the licensing process and keep a registered pharmacist on board from day one.
What licences are required to open a pharmacy in Pakistan?
A pharmacy in Pakistan needs a drug sales licence from the provincial drug controller and must operate under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, following the Drugs Act 1976 and DRAP-aligned supply practices.
How do you get a pharmacy licence in Pakistan?
Apply to the provincial drug controller with your registered pharmacist, premises details and storage compliance. Structured franchise partners handle these steps as part of the branch setup, which is faster and safer than going it alone.
What documents and requirements does pharmacy licensing involve?
Prepare for a paperwork-heavy but structured process. You need a registered pharmacist willing to act as the branch-in-charge, with a valid registration and, typically, a service agreement. The premises must meet physical requirements: adequate floor space, separate storage areas, cold-chain refrigeration where needed, proper lighting and ventilation, and a clear separation of prescription and non-prescription products. You will file an application with the provincial drug controller including the pharmacist’s registration, premises proof, floor plan, lease or ownership documents, and bank or business registration details. Expect an inspection of the premises before the drug sales licence is issued. Once licensed, maintain purchase and sale records, display the licence prominently, and keep controlled drugs under lock with separate records. Renew the licence on time and inform the controller of any change in pharmacist, premises or ownership. A structured franchise partner typically runs this entire checklist for the investor, which is why organised branches get licensed faster and correctly the first time.
