KARACHI: The Pakistan Pharmacists Association (PPA) elections are underway across the country today, December 5, 2025, with a strong turnout of pharmacists at polling stations in all provinces. Voting began at 9 a.m. and will continue until 7 p.m., while polling venues in major cities and districts have remained crowded throughout the day as pharmacists cast their votes in a peaceful and organized environment.
The Pakistan Pharmacists Association, established under the Drug Act, serves as the nationally recognized representative body of pharmacists and works to strengthen the pharmacy profession, safeguard patient rights, and enhance the role of pharmacists in the national healthcare system.
The central election monitoring cell has been set up at 488-G Johar Town in Lahore, from where the nationwide voting process is being supervised. This year, nearly 11,000 active members out of approximately 65,000 registered pharmacists are participating in the elections, indicating a growing interest and sense of ownership within the pharmacy community. Reports from Karachi, Sukkur, Quetta, Peshawar, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Gilgit, Skardu, and several other cities confirm extraordinary public participation, with long queues seen at many polling stations.
Chief Election Convener Najam Hassan Jawa stated that polling across the country was proceeding in an extremely organized and peaceful manner. He said that about 28 polling stations were active and that pharmacists were arriving in large numbers to exercise their democratic right. He added that feedback from various regions pointed to a transparent and smooth electoral process without major complaints.
Early assessments suggest that the Professional Pharmacists Group is leading in the race for key positions. Rao Alamgir Rao appears to be in a strong position for the central president slot, reflecting the impact of his group’s extensive organizational network and nationwide campaigning. In Punjab, Professor Dr. Atif Raza of the same group is also emerging as a leading candidate for the provincial presidency following an energetic and well-coordinated campaign. Candidates from the Voice of Pharmacists Group, including former DRAP CEO Asim Rao and Noor Muhammad Shah, remain competitive and active in various regions, particularly in Punjab, although overall trends indicate a clear edge for the Professional Pharmacists Group at this stage.
The high voter turnout and peaceful conduct of the elections have been welcomed by the pharmacy community. Noor Muhammad Mahar, President of the Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum, described the widespread participation as a positive sign for the growth and unity of the profession. He said the enthusiasm of pharmacists demonstrated their readiness to take part in representation, decision-making, and future policy development. The Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum expressed hope that the newly elected leadership would work effectively to protect the rights of pharmacists, address longstanding issues in clinical pharmacy, industry, hospital and retail sectors, and promote greater transparency in drug regulation and patient safety. The final results are expected to shape the future course of pharmacy practice and professional advocacy in Pakistan.
