The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has formally written to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority requesting the blocking of websites and online platforms found to be involved in the sale of unauthorised and unregistered therapeutic goods, in a move the regulator has framed as necessary to protect public health in the face of growing online availability of potentially dangerous pharmaceutical products. The request reflects an escalating concern within the regulatory framework about the ease with which consumers can access unverified medicines through digital channels that operate entirely outside the formal licensing and approval system.
The authority’s action specifically targets platforms promoting unapproved medicines in three high-risk categories: sexual health products, weight loss supplements, and treatments for mental disorders, all areas where consumer vulnerability to misinformation and health harm is particularly pronounced. DRAP has stated that some of the medicines being sold through these channels are suspected to have been smuggled from neighbouring countries, including India and Iran, and are being marketed directly to consumers without prescriptions, in clear violation of the Drugs Act of 1976. The authority has identified four specific platforms for immediate action: herbaltelestore.pk, opentelstore.com, curepill.pk, and radiance360.shop. In addition to requesting the blocking of these websites, DRAP has called for the removal of related advertisements appearing on social media, with warnings of legal consequences issued to companies that fail to comply.
The regulator has underscored the severity of the public health risk, noting that unapproved medicines can cause harmful side effects, long-term health complications, and in some cases fatal outcomes, and that the aggressive online promotion of such drugs significantly amplifies the risk of misuse among consumers who may have no awareness that the products they are purchasing have not been evaluated or approved by any regulatory body. DRAP has announced that its enforcement measures will include heavy fines, seizure of illegal products, and legal action against those found to be involved in the trade of unregistered medicines. The authority has simultaneously urged the public to refrain from purchasing medicines from unverified online sources and to report suspicious platforms or promotional activity to the relevant authorities. DRAP has also reiterated that all drug advertisements, particularly those relating to health treatments, must receive pre-approval before publication, and that failure to obtain such clearance will be treated as a regulatory violation subject to the full range of available penalties.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
