October 22, 2026: The Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP) has barred 14 universities and colleges from admitting students to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) programme, while issuing show-cause notices to another 29 institutions over regulatory concerns. The action has brought a total of 43 educational institutions under scrutiny.
Among the institutions facing admission restrictions are the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, the Islamabad campus of Iqra University, and Abasyn University. According to the reported details, six of the institutions barred from admissions are in Punjab, seven in Islamabad, and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Meanwhile, the 29 institutions issued show-cause notices include 22 in Punjab, four in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and three in Sindh. The institutions in Sindh include the University of Sindh, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Dewan University in Karachi, and Bharghari Institute of Pharmacy in Matli.
The council also raised concerns regarding facilities and academic arrangements at certain institutions. At the University of Sindh, objections were reportedly raised over the presence of the Department of Eastern Medicine and Surgery in the pharmacy building. At Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Dewan University, concerns included limited laboratory space, the operation of other academic programmes in the same building, and the reported absence of a computer laboratory and a dedicated pharmacy library.
The Bharghari Institute of Pharmacy was also directed to address concerns regarding the qualifications of its teaching staff and ensure the appointment of suitably qualified faculty members.
The regulatory action highlights the importance of maintaining educational standards, adequate laboratory facilities, qualified teaching staff, and compliance with professional requirements in pharmacy education.
Students planning to enrol in a Pharm-D programme are advised to verify their chosen institution’s current recognition and admission status through the official Pharmacy Council of Pakistan before submitting applications or paying fees.
