Pakistan Faces Sharp Rise in Medicine Prices Amid India Trade Suspension:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : With the increase in the prices of medicine, a trade body in Pakistan has requested the government to monitor the price of medicines as a matter of priority. This appeal comes as the country faces the prospect of a more profound crisis following India’s complete suspension of trade relations with Pakistan. The aforementioned trade decision was made after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam perpetuated by The Resistance Front (TRF) proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, killing 26 innocent civilians.

Previously, the Pakistan Trade freeze had Increased the cost of living in Pakistan, with ARY News stating that medicine prices had surged by 14.15% and healthcare services by an alarming 15.22%. This, coupled with the trade freeze, will worsen the already delicate situation.

India's Critical Role in Pakistan's Pharmaceutical Supply

The majority of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and advanced therapeutic drugs In Pakistan stem from India, accounting for 60%. Not to mention life saving drugs comprising of anti-rabies serum, monoclonal antibodies, MMR vaccine, Onco-BCG cancer treatment and anti snake venom serum.

Replacing non western offered APIs would mean more logistical and financial hindrances for Pakistan – the cost incurred with supplying these substitute APIs would add months of regulatory approval testing before being deemed fit for use in Pakistan.Cost Consequences and Alternative Supply Routes

Fedration Of Indian Export Organizaions Dr. Ajay Sahai states that if Pakistan continues importing Indian drugs via third country Shipping Ports like Dubai or Sri Lanka, the costs could go upto four times. If Pakistan switched to European drugs, the cost would increase by almost tenfold.

Existing Dependence is Evident

The data retrieved from Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) that Business Standard published showed organic chemicals and pharmaceutical products' indirect exports from India through ports in Dubai, Singapore and Colombo to Pakistan stood at $129.55 million and $110.06 million respectively for the year 2024-25 considering India’s pre-existing trade relations with these countries.

Urging Government Intervention

Dr. Muhammad Aleem Akhter in his comments December 3rd meeting of Nazriya Pakistan Council was left furious at the premise that this is still a concern, calling for government action alongside considering his remarks towards Shehbaz Sharif asking him directly within the meeting.

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Wider Consequences of India's Reaction to Terror Attacks.

India’s diplomacy while tackling the Pahalgam terror attack included ceasing trade with Pakistan. Besides the suspension of trade, India also halted the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), barricaded the Attari-Wagah land border crossing, and expelled Pakistan’s military attaché.

Pakistan is now dealing not only with geopolitical stress but also dealing with a weakening pharmaceutical supply chain due to heightened public anger, which is pushing the nation toward a major healthcare crisis.