Pakistan faces a solid challenge in terms of boosting its exports. The stagnation of exports raises a number of questions about Pakistan’s trade strategy and what its policies seek to achieve. Our neighbouring countries seem to have taken full advantage of the boom in global trade and leap-frogged on the development ladder by pursuing an export-led growth strategy.
It is quite obvious that the financial managers of the country have emphasized on a few sectors such as textiles, sporting goods, etc. to increase Pakistan’s exports. But with globalization, new opportunities have been emerging, and Pakistan has to diversify its focus in order to increase its exports, such as the alternate medicine industry.
According to the latest research, the global market for alternative medicines will reach an astounding $500 billion by 2030. The developed world, namely the United States, France, United Kingdom and China, hold the majority share in this sector. Pakistan is blessed to be part of this niche group because of just one company, Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Pakistan. The President of Hamdard Pakistan, Mrs. Sadia Rashid, is on record saying that with the correct strategy, Pakistan can increase its exports by more than $1 billion through alternative herbal products.
Hamdard Pakistan has been leading the Unani/Herbal industry since its inception. Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said was a dynamic entrepreneur and social reformer who not only revolutionized the field of Unani Tibb in Pakistan, but also paved the way for Pakistan to export Unani medicines globally by having the WHO recognize the efficacy of alternate medicines.
Hamdard Pakistan has been a shining example for all herbal medicine manufacturers as a leading fast-track medicine manufacturing company with strong focus on production, involving innovation and technological sophistication. Moreover, the presence of Hamdard in the country’s landscape is phenomenal. Its products have been serving as top Pakistani brands all over the world. Rooh Afza and Safi are a few among over 400 different products. In every city, Hamdard’s Matab (apothecary) has been providing essential free medical check-ups to lower-middle to lower-income households. Its mobile dispensaries have been providing free medical check-ups and medicines to deprived communities in rural areas, while globally, Hamdard’s products are a testament to Pakistan’s potential of producing and manufacturing cheap yet top-of-the-line products.
It is pleasantly surprising that Hamdard Pakistan is also an ambassador of Pakistan in the international community. Both Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said and his daughter, Mrs. Sadia Rashid, have been active in representing Pakistan globally. That is why the Emperor and the Government of Japan have conferred the prestigious award “The Order of The Rising Sun, Gold Rays With Neck Ribbon” on Mrs. Sadia Rashid, who is the president of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA), in recognition of her contributions for promoting cultural relations and mutual understanding between Japan and Pakistan. Her father and the founder of Hamdard Pakistan, Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said played an unforgettable role in strengthening Pakistan-China bilateral relations. His efforts were duly recognized and greatly appreciated by the Chinese government.
Having a company with such a rich history of patriotism and service to the nation, it is an irony that various governments failed to benefit from Hamdard’s full potential. Therefore, it is imperative for the Government of Pakistan to develop a joint platform with Hamdard Pakistan. With a combined strategy, the Government can increase the country’s exports in limited time. The international demand and growth of herbal products is a huge sector, and Pakistan must act in time before the Western world realizes its true potential and bags the market. 
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