Karachi Drug Lab Earns WHO Prequalification, Lifting Pakistan's Testing Standards

The Central Drugs Laboratory in Karachi has received World Health Organisation prequalification, a globally recognised accreditation that validates the facility's testing standards and positions Pakistan as a more credible participant in international pharmaceutical quality assurance frameworks.

WHO prequalification is a stringent process that assesses laboratory infrastructure, testing methodology, data integrity, and regulatory oversight. Its award to the CDL Karachi marks a significant institutional milestone for Pakistan's drug regulatory ecosystem, which has historically faced criticism over enforcement inconsistencies and quality control weaknesses.

The accreditation is expected to have practical downstream effects, including greater confidence among international partners in Pakistan-tested pharmaceutical products and improved credibility for domestic drug manufacturers seeking to access regulated export markets. It also strengthens Pakistan's standing within WHO's broader prequalification programme.

Health authorities said the achievement reflects sustained investment in laboratory infrastructure and staff training at the CDL. The accreditation will require periodic WHO reassessment to maintain its validity, setting a benchmark for continued institutional standards.