Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will launch a crackdown on the growing online sale and promotion of unregistered and smuggled medicines, it was reported on Tuesday.
DRAP asked Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block multiple websites and social media platforms involved in what officials describe as a serious threat to public health.
Documents show the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has formally requested the PTA to restrict access to websites allegedly selling unregistered therapeutic goods, including products being promoted aggressively on social media platforms.
In separate communications sent in March and April 2026, DRAP’s Division of Quality Assurance and Laboratory Testing identified several websites and online platforms involved in the sale of unregistered medicines, including those targeting sexual health, weight loss, and other conditions.
Officials in the Ministry of National Health Services said the move comes amid a sharp rise in digital marketing of therapeutic products, including prescription-only medicines and psychotropic drugs, which are being advertised directly to consumers without regulatory approval.
“These medicines are being promoted through social media advertisements, WhatsApp marketing, and websites, encouraging people to self-medicate without consulting qualified practitioners,” a senior health ministry official said, warning that such practices violate Pakistan’s drug laws and pose significant health risks.
According to DRAP’s letters, the authority received public complaints indicating that many websites were involved in selling unregistered therapeutic goods, prompting requests for immediate blocking under relevant legal provisions.
Another communication highlighted some online platforms, along with associated Facebook and Instagram accounts, which were allegedly marketing and selling unregistered medicines directly to consumers.
Drap appealed the citizen to avoid buying these medicines from any medical stores and also warned pharmacies not to sale these medicines otherwise stern action will be taken against them.
