Karachi, April 23, 2024 – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pakistan announced plans to challenge a recent decision by the Drug Court in Rawalpindi, which found certain current and former company officials guilty under the Drugs Act of 1976 for distributing sub-standard drugs.
The verdict, issued on April 22, 2024, in Case Judicial No. 4229/DC/Rwp/22, has prompted the pharmaceutical giant to take swift legal actions to appeal the judgment. The company disclosed this decision in a formal statement to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), underlining its intention to vigorously contest the court’s findings.
According to the statement released by GSK, “We would like to inform you that the Drug Court Rawalpindi has passed judgement dated April 22, 2024, in Case Judicial No. 4229/DC/Rwp/22 against the current and former officers of GSK under the Drugs Act 1976 related to the provision of sub-standard drugs.” In response, the company and the implicated officers have categorically denied any wrongdoing and are preparing to present their case in the appellate forum.
GSK also assured its stakeholders that it will continue to provide updates on significant developments regarding the legal challenge. “We would also like to inform you that GSK will keep all stakeholders abreast of any significant updates in this regard,” the company emphasized in its statement to PSX.
The legal dispute stems from allegations that GSK Pakistan had been involved in the manufacturing and distribution of sub-standard pharmaceutical products, a serious charge that impacts not only the company’s reputation but also public health safety. The specifics of the drugs in question or the details of the alleged sub-standard practices have not been disclosed to the public.
The decision to appeal the Drug Court’s verdict reflects GSK Pakistan’s commitment to defending its operational practices and maintaining its standing in the pharmaceutical industry. The appeal process is expected to attract considerable attention from the media, industry analysts, and public health advocates, given the potential implications for pharmaceutical standards and regulatory practices in the country.
As the case progresses, the pharmaceutical community and investors are keeping a close watch on the developments, which could have broader implications for the regulatory environment and quality assurance standards within Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector. This case highlights the ongoing challenges within the pharmaceutical industry in maintaining drug quality and adhering to stringent regulatory standards.
