Strengthening Pakistan’s pharmaceutical workforce: from evidence to action

Setting the scene: Globally, pharmacists are increasingly recognised as vital members of the healthcare team. Their contributions extend beyond dispensing to ensuring rational use of medicines, supporting chronic disease management, and delivering essential public health services (Atif et al., Citation2020; Babar, Citation2016; Palaian et al., Citation2022; World Health Organization, Citation2019). Evidence from diverse health systems demonstrates the clinical and economic value of pharmacists across primary, secondary, and tertiary care (Babar, Citation2016; Chou et al., Citation2003; Hwang & Young, Citation2015; Scahill et al., Citation2017). Yet in Pakistan, pharmacists remain marginalised within the health system. Despite more than 40,000 pharmacies operating nationwide, 95% lack a qualified pharmacist (Gulf News, Citation2019; Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, Citation2020). This poses major risks for medication safety and rational use. Pharmacists’ invisibility is reinforced by limited roles in policy and practice, outdated regulations, and lack of public awareness campaigns (Hafeez, Citation1991; Malik et al., Citation2020; Mumtaz & Shaheed, Citation1987). The FIP National Intelligence Report: Pakistan (Bukhari et al., Citation2023) highlights these systemic barriers and provides a roadmap for reform. It is complemented by insights from a practitioner poll of over 340 pharmacists, revealing frustrations with governance, training, and recognition. Together, these perspectives show both the urgency of reform and the profession’s aspirations (International Pharmaceutical Federation, Citation2019; UHC2030, Citation2021).