PHARMACY ACT, 1967

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THE PHARMACY ACT, 1967 
(XI of 1967) 
CONTENTS 
1. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Definitions 
3. Establishment of Pharmacy Councils 
4. Composition of Central Council 
5. Composition of the Provincial Council 
6. Disqualification for membership 
7. Publication of names 
8. Term of office 
9. Filling of casual vacancy 
10. Vacancy, etc., not to invalidate the proceedings of a Council 
11. Election of Vice-President 
12. Committees of a Council 
13. Meetings of a Council 
14. Annual report 
15. Appointment of Secretary, officers and staff of the Council 
16. Finances 
17. Functions of the Central Council 
18. Approval of examinations 
19. Approval of courses of study 
20. Furnishing of information 
21. Inspectors 
22. Withdrawal of approval 
23. Functions of a Provincial Council 
24. Preparation and maintenance of Registers 
25. Qualifications for registration as a  pharmacist or as an apprentice in 
pharmacy 
26. Procedure for registration 
27. Certificate of registration 
28. Revocation of certificate 
29. Examination for registration as  pharmacists  
30. Qualifications for admission to an examination 
31. Prohibition of practice without registration 
32. Cognizance of offences, etc 
33. Indemnity 
34. Power to make bye- laws 
TEXT 
1
THE PHARMACY ACT, 1967 
(XI of 1967) 
[20th June, 1967] 
An 
Act 
to establish Pharmacy Councils to regulate the practice of pharmacy 
WHEREAS it is expedient to establish Pharmacy Councils to regulate the 
practice of pharmacy and to provide for matters connected therewith and incidental 
thereto; 
AND WHEREAS  the national interest of P akistan in relation to the 
achievement of uniformity within the meaning of clause (2 ) of Article 131 of the 
Constitution requires Central legislation in the matter; 
It is hereby enacted as follows:– 
1. Short title, extent and commencement .– (1) This Act ma y be called the 
Pharmacy Act, 1967. 
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan. 
(3) It shall come into force at once. 
2. Definitions.– In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or 
context,– 
(a) “approved” means approved under section 18 o r, as the case may be, 
section 19; 
(b) “Central Council” means the Pharmacy Council of Pakis tan established 
under section 3; 
(c) “Council” means a Pharmacy Council established under section 3;  
(d) “Medical Institution” means an institution whose medical q ualifications 
are recognised under the  
2
[Medical and Dental Council Ordinance, 
1962]; 
3
[(e) “Pakistan Pharmacists Association” means the association registered 
under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (XXI of 1860), and known at 
the commencement of the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973, by that 
name; 
                                                           
1This Act received the assent of President on 20 th June 1967;and published in the Gazette of Pakistan, Extraordinary, dated 
20th June 1967, pages 463-475. 
2Substituted for the words, comma and figure “ Medical Council Ordinance, 1962 ” by the Federal Laws (Revision and 
Declaration) Ordinance,1981(XXVII of 1981),w.e.f.8.7.1981, s.3 and the second Schedule; and published in the Gazette  of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 345-475. 
3Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment ) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973 ), w.e.f. 8.2.1973 , s.2; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
(f) “Pharmacist” means a person who  is registered under section 24 in 
Register A or Register B; 
(g) “pharmacy institution” means an institution who se qualifications of 
Pharmacy are recognised under this Act; and  
(h) “Provincial Council”  means the Pharmacy Council of a Province 
established under section 3.] 
3. Establishment of Pharmacy Councils.– (1) Within a period of one year from 
the commencement of this Act,– 
(a) the 
4
[Federal Government] shall, by notificati on in the official Gazette, 
establish a Central Pharmacy Council to be known by the name of t he 
Pharmacy Council of Pakistan; and 
5
[(b) each Provincial Government shall, in like manner, establish a 
Provincial Pharmacy Council to be known by the name of the  Province 
concerned.] 
(2) Each of the Pharmacy Councils established under sub -section (1 )
 shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and common seal, 
with power, among others, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, and shall by its 
name sue and be sued. 
4. Composition of Central Council .– (1) The Central Council shall, subject to 
the provisions of sub-section (2), consist of the following members, namely:– 
(a) the Director-General of Health, Government of Pakistan, ex-officio, who 
shall, unless the 
6
[Federal Government] appoints any other officer to be 
the President, also be the President of the Council; 
(b) the officer, if any, appointed under clause (a ) to be the President of the 
Council; 
7
[(c) eight persons, to be nominated by the Federal Government, out of 
whom one from each Province shall be nominated in consultation with 
the Provincial Government concerned, one shall be a teacher of 
pharmaceutics and one a teacher of pharmaceutical chemistry; 
(d) one person  from each Province, to be nomina ted by the Federal 
Government, so far as may be, in consultation with the Provincial 
Council concerned; 
(e) one person, to be nominated by the Federal Government in 
consultation with the Pakistan Pharmacists Association; and 
                                                           
4Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adapta tion of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
5Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f.  8.2.1973, s.3; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
6Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
7Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.4; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
(f) the Drugs Controller, Government of Pakistan.] 
(2) The 
8
[Federal Government] may, by notification in the official Gazette, 
increase or decrease the number of persons to be nominated by it under clause (c ) 
of sub-section (1) 
9
[* * *]: 
Provided that the decrease in the number of membe rs shall not affect the 
continuance in office of, and the performance of functions by, any member until the 
expiry of his term. 
5. Composition of the Provincial Council .– (1) A Provincial Council shall, 
subject to the provisions of sub -section (2), consist  of the following members, 
namely:– 
10
[(a) the Secretaries to the Provincial Governments in the Health 
Department, ex officio, who shall, unless the Provincial Government 
appoints any other officer to be the President, also be the Presidents of 
the respective Councils;] 
(b) the officer, if any, appointed under clause (a ) to be the President of the 
Council; 
11
[(c) five persons to be nominated by the Provincial Government , of whom 
one shall be an officer of that Government; and 
(d) one person to be nominated by  the Provincial Branch of the Pakistan 
Pharmacists Association.] 
(2) The Provincial Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, 
increase or decrease the number of persons to be nominated by it under clause (c ) 
of sub-section (1) Provided that the decrease in the number of members shall not 
affect the continuance in office of, and the performance of functions by, any member 
until the expiry of his term. 
12
[6. Disqualification for membership .– A person, other than a p rofessor of 
medical institutio n or a pharmacy institution or an officer of the Provincial 
Government nominated under clause (c ) of subsection (1) of section 5, shall not be 
eligible for nomination as a member of the Council unless he is a pharmacist  
registered in Register A: 
13
[ * * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
                                                           
8Substituted for the words “Central Gov ernment” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
9Omitted the words “so however that the num ber of persons to be nominated from each Province remains equal” by the 
Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.4; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary) 
10Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII o f 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.5; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
11Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.5; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
12Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s. 6; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
13Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance,1981(XXVII of 1981),w.e.f.8.7.1981, s.3 and the second 
Schedule; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 345-475. 
7. Publication of names.– The 
14
[Federal Government] or, as the case may be, 
the Provincial Government shall publish in the official Gazette the names or the 
official titles of the members of the Council. 
8. Term of office .– (1) Subject to the provi sions of sub -section ( 2), a mem ber 
other than an ex-officio member shall hold office for a period of three years 
commencing on the day on which he assumes office and shal l be eligible for re -
nomination: 
Provided that notwithstanding the expiry of his term a member shall continue 
to function until his successor assumes office. 
(2) Where the 
15
[Federal Government] or, as the case may be, the 
Provincial Government, upon the recommendation of a majority of the members of 
the Council, is satisfied that a member of the Council is negligent in the discharge of 
his duties or is guilty of any unprofessional or dishonorable conduct or is otherwise 
not competent to perform the functions of a member, it may, by notification in the 
official Gazette, remove suc h member; and upon t he publication of such notifica tion 
the seat of the member shall become vacant. 
9. Filling of casual vacancy.– A casual vacancy in the office of a member shall 
be filled for the remainder of the term of such member, not being less than six 
months, by nominating another person in his place, in the same manner in which 
such member was nominated. 
10. Vacancy, etc., not to invalidate the proceedings of a Council .– No act or 
proceedings of a Council shall be invalid merely on the ground of th e existence of 
any vacancy in, or any defect in the composition of, the Council. 
11. Election of Vice -President.– (1) A Council shall every year elect one of its 
members to be the Vice -President of the Council and the Vice -President so elected 
shall hold office for a period of one year and shall be eligible for re-election: 
Provided that a Vice -President shall, notwithstanding the expiry of his term, 
continue to function until his successor is elected. 
(2) The Vice-President shall perform such functions as may be entrusted 
to him by the Council and, in the absence of the President, also the functions of the 
President. 
12. Committees of a Council.– (1) A Council may constitute such committees 
as it deems fit for the purpose of advising and assistin g it in the  performance of its 
functions. 
(2) A committee constituted under sub-section (1) may co -opt as its 
member any person whose assistance or advice it may consider necessary for the 
efficient performance of its functions. 
                                                           
14Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
15Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
13. Meetings of a Council.– (1) A Council shall meet at such time and place, and 
a meeting of the Council shall be summoned and conducted in such manner, as may 
be laid down by its bye-laws: 
Provided that, until such bye -laws are made, the President of the Council 
may, by notice addressed to e ach member, summon and conduct a meeting at such 
time and place and in such manner as he may deem expedient. 
(2) The President and, in his absence, the Vice -President shall preside at 
every meeting of the 
16
[Council] and, in the absence of both the Presiden t and the 
Vice-President, the members present shall elect one amongst them to preside. 
17
[(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Council shall be one-third of the total 
number of members, a fraction being counted as one.] 
14. Annual report.– As soon as may be after the close of every year, the Central 
Council shall submit to the 
18
[Federal Government] and a Provincial Council to the 
Provincial Government, an annual report giving an account of its pr oceedings 
together with a state ment of moneys received and expen ses incurred by it during 
that year. 
15. Appointment of Secretary, officers and staff of the Council .– (1) A 
Council shall, with the approval in the case of the Central Council of the 
19
[Federal 
Government] and in the case of a Provincial Council of the Pro vincial Government, 
appoint a Secretary from amongst persons eligible for registration as pharmacists 
20
[in Register A] on such terms and conditions as it may deem fit. 
(2) The Council may also appoint such officers and staff as may be 
necessary for the efficient performance of its functions. 
16. Finances.– (1) The funds of the Central Council shall consist of such moneys 
as may be placed at its disposal by the 
21
[Federal Government]. 
(2) The funds of a Provincial Council shall consist of the fees received by  it 
under this Act and of such moneys as may be placed at its disposal by the Provincial 
Government. 
17. Functions of the Central Council .– (1) The functions of the Central Council 
shall be– 
                                                           
16Substituted for the word „Board‟ by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 20.6.1967, s.7; and published 
in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 8.2.1973. 
17Added by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.7; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary). 
18Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
19Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
20Inserted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973 , s.8 ; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
21Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
(a) to approve examinations in pharmacy for the purpose of qualif ying 
persons for registration as pharmacists; 
(b) to prescribe the subjects in which approved examinations shall be held; 
(c) to approve the courses of study and practical training in pharmacy for 
the purpose of admission to approved examinations; 
(d) to prescribe the conditions and procedure for admission of candid ates 
to an approved examination; 
(e) to lay down the standard of teaching to be maintained by institutions 
conducting the approved courses of study; 
(f) to prescribe the equipment and facilities to be  made available to the 
students; 
(g) to recognize degree or diplomas in pharmacy for the  purpose of  
registration as pharmacists; 
(h) to cause inspection of institutions which conduct any courses of study 
in pharmacy and of the teachings imparte d and e xaminations held by 
them; and 
(i) to do such other acts and things as it may be empowered or required to 
do by or under this Act. 
(2) The Central Council, with the previous approval of the 
22
[Federal 
Government], may, by notification in the official Gazette , make regulations for the 
purposes of sub-section (1). 
18. Approval of examinations .– (1) Any institution or authority, including a 
Provincial Council, which holds an examination in pharmacy, may apply to the 
Central Council for approval of the examinatio n for the purpose of qualifying a 
person for registration as a pharmacist under this Act. 
(2) The Central Council, if it is satisfied after such enquiry as it may think fit 
that the examination for the approval of which an application has been made under 
sub-section (1) is in conformity with this Act and the regulations, shall approve the 
examination and, by notification in the official Gazette, declare it to be an approved 
examination for the purpose of qualifying a person for registration as a pharmacist 
under this Act. 
19. Approval of courses of study .– (1) Any institution or authority which 
conducts a course of study in pharmacy may apply to the Central Council for 
approval of such course of study for the purpose of admission to an approved 
examination. 
(2) The Central Council, if it is satisfied after such enquiry as it may think fit 
that the course of study for the approval of which an application has been made 
under sub-section (1) is in conformity with this Act and the regulations, shall submit 
                                                           
22Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
the application together with its recommendation to the 
23
[Federal Government] and 
shall, upon the approval of the course of study by the 
24
[Federal Government] , 
declare it, by notification in the official Gazette, to be an approved course of study for 
the purpose of admission to an approved examination. 
20. Furnishing of information .– Every institution or authority which applies for 
the approval of an examination under section 18 or of a course of study under 
section 19, or holds an approved examination, or conduc ts an approved course of 
study, shall furnish to the Central Council such information as the Council may, from 
time to time, require relating to– 
(a) the course of study conducted and training given; 
(b) the examination held; 
(c) the ages at which the students may undergo the course of study; 
(d) the equipment and facilities provided for the students; and 
(e) matters generally pertinen t to the course of study, train ing and 
examinations and standard of teaching. 
21. Inspectors.– (1) The Central Council may a ppoint such Inspectors for the 
inspection of institutions as it may consider necessary. 
(2) An Inspector appointed under sub -section (1 ) may, if he is so 
authorized in writing by the President of the Council,– 
(a) inspect any institutio n which holds an app roved exami nation or 
conducts an approved course of study and may attend any such  
examination held by such institution; 
(b) inspect any instituti on which has applied for the ap proval of the 
examination held, or course of study conducted, by it and attend a ny 
examination held by such institution. 
(3) An Inspector who attends any examination shall not interfere with the 
conduct thereof but shall submit to the Central Council a report on the sufficie ncy or 
otherwise of such examination  and on any other matter in regard to which the 
Central Council may require him to report. 
22. Withdrawal of approval .– (1) Where, upon a report by an Inspector, it 
appears to the Central Council that an approved course of study or an approved 
examination does not continue to be i n conformity with this Act and the regulations, 
the Central Council shall give notice to the institution or authority concerned calling 
upon it to explain in writing why the approval of its course of study or examination 
should not be withdrawn. 
                                                           
23Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
24Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
(2) The institution or authority to whom a notice has been given under sub -
section (1) shall, within sixty days from the receipt of such notice, comply with the 
notice and may also make such representation to the Central Council, through the 
Provincial Government, as it may wish to make. 
(3) The Central Council, after considering the explanation given and any 
representation made under sub -section (2 ) and any observations on the 
representation which the Provincial Government may think fit to make, may, by 
notification in the official Gazette, declare that its approval of the course of study or 
examination conducted or held by the institution or authority concerned shall stand 
withdrawn with effect from such d ate as may be specified therein ; and every such 
declaration shall state that the course of study or examination conducted or held by 
such institution or authority shall be deemed to be approved only when completed or 
passed, as the case may be, before the date so specified. 
23. Functions of a Provincial Council. – The functions of a Provincial Council 
shall be– 
(a) to prepare and maintain registers of pharmacists and ap prentices in 
pharmacy; 
(b) to register pharmacists and grant certificates of registration; 
(c) to conduct examinations for the purpose of registration as pharmacists; 
and 
(d) to do such other acts and things as it may be empowered or required to 
do by this Act. 
24. Preparation and maintenance of Registers .– (1) The Provincial Council 
shall prepare or cause to be prepared and maintained the following Regi sters of 
Pharmacists and apprentices for the Province, namely:– 
25
[(a) Register A–in which shall be registered the persons specified in clause 
(a) of subsection (1) of section 25; 
(b) Register B –in which shall be registered the persons specified in 
clauses (b) and (c) of the said subsection; and] 
(c) Register C–in which shall be registered the apprentices in pharmacy: 
Provided that the Provincial Council may, with the previous approval of the 
Provincial Government, discontinue the registration of apprentices  in pharmacy and 
may, with like approval , re-open such registration after it has been discontinued and 
shall, upon such discontinuance or re-opening, publish in the official Gazette a notice 
thereof specifying the date of such discontinuance or re-opening. 
(2) Every Register prepared and maintained under sub -section (1 ) shall 
include the following particulars relating to a person registered, namely:– 
(a) full name; 
(b) residential address; 
                                                           
25Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.9; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
(c) professional address; 
(d) father‟s name; 
(e) date and place of birth ; 
(f) nationality; 
(g) qualifications; 
(h) date on which registered; and 
(i) such other particulars as may be prescribed by bye-laws. 
25. Qualifications for registration as a  pharmacist or as an apprentice in 
pharmacy.– (1)The following pe rsons shall, subject to the pro vision of sub -section 
(3), be qualified for registration as pharmacists under this Act, namely:– 
(a) persons who hold a degree in pharmacy conferred by a University or 
an institution affiliated thereto, where the degree is recognised by the 
Central Council; 
(b) persons who hold a diploma in pharmacy granted by any institution 
recognised by the Central Council; and 
(c) persons who pass the examination in pharmacy held by a Provincial 
Council 
26
[.] 
27
[ * * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
28
[(1-A) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3), during the period of one 
year from the commencement the Pharmacy (Amendmen t) Act, 1973, a person who 
was, on the 19 th day of June 1972, to be deemed to be  qualified for registration as a 
pharmacist shall be deemed to be so qualified.]  
29
[(2) the following persons shall, subject to the provisions of sub -section (3), 
be qualified to be registered as an apprentice in pharmacy, namely :– 
(i) an Inspector of Drugs and a Government Analys t appointed under the  
30
[Drugs Act ,1976 (XXXI of 1976)],  if not other wise eligible for 
registration; 
(ii) a person certified by a Government Hospital to be a qualified 
compounder and dispenser; 
(iii) a person who has been taken as a student or apprentice in pharmacy 
by, and produces a certific ate to that effect from, a pharmacist 
                                                           
26Substituted for the “colon” by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s. 10; and published 
in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
27Omitted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973 , s.10; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
28Inserted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of  1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s. 10; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
29Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.10; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
30Substituted for th e words, comma and  figure “Drugs Act, 1940 ” by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance,1981(XXVII of 1981),w.e.f.8.7.1981, s.3 and the second Schedule; and published in the Gazette  of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), pages 345-475. 
registered in Register A and approved for the purpose, by notification in 
the official Gazette, by the Provincial Government; and 
(iv) a person who is a qualified person within the meaning of rule 65 of the 
West Pakist an Drugs Rules, 1958, if not otherwise eligible for 
registration.]  
(3) No person shall be qualified for registration as a pharmacist or as an 
apprentice in pharmacy– 
(a) if he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a court; or 
(b) if he has been con victed by a court of any offence which in the opinion 
of the Provincial Council involves moral turpitude. 
26. Procedure for registration.– (1) As soon as may be after the opening of the 
Registers under section 24, the Provincial Council shall, by notificat ion in the official 
Gazette, invite applications from persons desirous of being registered as 
pharmacists or as apprentices in pharmacy. 
(2) An application for registration shall contain such particulars and be 
made in such form as may be specified by the Provincial Council and shall be 
accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed by the bye-laws. 
(3) The Provincial Council shall examine every application received by it 
and, if it is satisfied that the applicant is qualified for registration under section 2 5, 
direct the entry of the name of the applicant in the appropriate Register. 
(4) The Provincial Council shall, if it rejects the application of any person, 
inform the applicant in writing of such rejection within ninety days from the date of 
receipt of the application, and the applicant may within sixty days of the receipt of the 
information appeal against such rejection to the Provincial Government whose 
decision thereon shall be final. 
(5) Failure to inform the applicant of the rejection within the perio d 
specified in sub -section (4) shall be treated as accept ance of the application for 
registration. 
27. Certificate of registration .– (1) The Provincial Council shall issue a 
certificate of registration to a person who has been registered under section 26. 
(2) A certificate of registration issued under sub -section (1 ) shall bear a 
number and the official seal of the Council and be signed by its President and the 
Secretary and shall contain the following, namely:– 
(a) a passport size photograph of the person registered; 
(b) the full signature of the person registered; and 
(c) an endorsement of any mark of identification of the person registered. 
(3) A copy of the certificate with all the particulars specified in sub -section 
(2) shall be kept in the official records of the Council. 
(4) A person to whom a certificate of registration has been issued may, if 
the original is lost, defaced or mutilated or for any other reason, obtain a duplicate 
thereof on payment of the same fee as was paid for the original. 
28. Revocation of certificate .– (1) The Provincial Council may, after giving the 
person concerned an opportunity to make representation and of being heard, revoke 
the certificate of registration issued to him, if such person– 
(a) incurs any disqualification specified in sub-section (3) of section 25; or 
(b) contravenes any of the provisions of the Poisons Act, 1919  (XII of 
1919), the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930  (II of 1930) , 
31
[Drugs Act,1976 
(XXXI of 1976)]  , or this Act or of the rules made under any of those 
Acts; or 
(c) fails or neglects to comply with any directive in respect of the 
profession of a pharmacist  which the 
32
[Federal Government] or the 
Provincial Government may, from time to time, issue; or 
(d) is guilty of such professional misconduct as may be laid down by the 
Provincial Council in this behalf. 
(2) Where any certificate of  registration is revoked under sub -section (1), 
the name of the person whose certificate has been so revoked shall, after he has 
been given a notice in writing of such revocation, b e struck off the register in which 
his name was entered and his registration shall thereupon stand cancelled. 
(3) The Provincial Council may, of its own motion, and shall, upon an 
application made in this behalf within thirty days of the receipt of the not ice under 
sub-section (2) by the person concerned, review its decision to revoke a certificate of 
registration; and the decision of the Council upon such review shall be final. 
29. Examination for registration as  pharmacists.– (1) For the purpose of 
registration as pharmacists, the Provincial Council shall, after giving notice in this 
behalf hold examinations twice in every year. 
(2) An examination under sub-section (1) shall be held 
33
[at such place in a 
Province as the Provincial Council may decide]. 
(3) Notice of an examination shall be published for a continuous period of 
not less than one week in at least one newspaper in English and one newspaper in 
the local language, each having wide circulation in the Province. 
(4) Every application for admission to an examination shall be made in 
such manner and in such form as may be specified by the Provincial Council and 
shall be accompanied by– 
(a) such fee as may be prescribed by the bye-laws; 
(b) a certificate of good moral character from a respectable person; and 
                                                           
31Substituted for the words, comma and figures “ Drugs Act, 1940 ” by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance,1981(XXVII of 1981),w.e.f.8.7.1981, s.3 and the second Schedule; and published in the Gazette  of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), pages 345-475. 
32Substituted f or the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
33Substituted for t he words “ at least at three places in a Province ” by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), 
w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.11; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
(c) such other papers or particulars as may be required by the Provincial 
Council. 
30. Qualifications for admission to an examination .– An applicant for 
admission to an examination under section 29,– 
(a) shall not be below seventeen years of age on the  date fixed for the 
examination; 
(b) must have passed the matriculation examination or an equivalent 
Higher Secondary or Senior Cambridge examination with general 
science as one of the subjects 
34
[***]; and 
(c) must have been registered as an apprentice in pharmacy for a period 
of not less than two years before the date fixed for the examination: 
Provided that clause (c ) shall not apply during any period during which 
registration of apprentices in pharmacy remains discontinued under the proviso to 
sub-section (1) of section 24 and the period of two years thereafter 
35
[:] 
36
[Provided further that, notwithstanding any thing contained in this Act, it shall 
not be necessary for any apprentice in pharmacy to attend any regular classes or to 
complete any number of da ys or lectures at any institution, for the purpose of being 
qualified to be admitted to an examination under section 29.]  
31. Prohibition of practice without registration .– (1) Subject to the provisions 
of sub -section (4), no person shall, after the expir y of five years from the 
commencement of this Act or such later date as the 
37
[Federal Government] may, by 
notification in the official Gazette, specify in this behalf, practice as a pharmacist 
unless he is a registered pharmacist and displays his certifica te of registration in a 
conspicuous place within the premises in which he so practises. 
(2) Whoever employs any pharmacist for the purpose of any business in 
pharmacy shall cause the certificate of registration of the pharmacist so employed to 
be displayed in a conspicuous place within the premises in which such business is 
carried on. 
38
[(3) Whoever contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) or subsection (2) 
shall be punishable  with imprisonment of either description for a term which may 
extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with 
both.] 
(4) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to– 
                                                           
34Omitted the comma and words “, or a qualifying examination in the Engl ish language and in general science held by the 
Provincial Council” by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.12; and published in the Gazette 
of Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
35Substituted for the “full-stop” by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.12; and published in 
the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
36Added by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.12; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
37Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O.  No.4 of 1975), 
w.e.f.1.8.1975, Article 2 and the Table of General Adaptations; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 
435-467. 
38Substituted by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.13; and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
(a) a registered medical practitioner as defined in the 
39
[Medical and Dental 
Council Ordinance, 1962], or a person authorized to prescribe antibiotic 
and dangerous drugs under the Allopathic System (Prevention of 
Misuse) Ordinance, 1962 (LXV of 1962) , who dispenses medicine to 
his own patients or serves his own prescriptions; 
(b) a person who deals in non -poisonous household remedies in original 
and unopened container at any store or place or prepares non -
poisonous household remedies in accordance with the rules made 
under the 
40
[Drugs Act,1976 (XXXI of 1976)]; 
(c) a person who manufactures, sells or distributes drugs and medicines 
which f all exclusively under the unani, ayurvedic, biochemic or 
homeopathic system of medicine; 
(d) a person engaged as a health or veterinary technician in a Government 
hospital or institution; 
41
[* * * * * *] 
(e) a foreign pharmacist who is engaged, with the app roval of the Central 
Council, for the purposes of consultation, advice or instruction 
42
[; and] 
43
[(f) an apprentice in pharmacy, during the period of four years from the 
commencement of the pharmacy (Amendment ) Act, 1973, or during 
such further period as th e Federal Government may, by notification in 
the official Gazette, specify in this behalf.]  
32. Cognizance of offences, etc .– No court shall take cognizance of an offence 
under this Act except upon a complaint in writing made by an Inspecto r appointed 
under the 
44
[Drugs Act,1976 (XXXI of 1976)], or an officer specially empowered in this 
behalf by the Provincial Government. 
33. Indemnity.– No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against 
any person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this 
Act. 
34. Power to make bye- laws.– (1) A Council may with the previous approval, in 
the case of the Central Council , of the Federal Government, and in the case of a 
Provincial Council of the Provincial Government, make bye -laws for carrying cut the 
purposes of this Act. 
                                                           
39Substituted for the words, comma and figure “ Medical Council Ordinance, 1962 ” by the Federal Laws (Revision an d 
Declaration) Ordinance,1981(XXVII of 1981),w.e.f.8.7.1981, s.3 and the second Schedule; and published in the Gazette  of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), pages 345-475. 
40Substituted for the words, comma and figure “ Drugs Act, 1940 ” by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance,1981(XXVII of 1981),w.e.f.8.7.1981, s.3 and the second Schedule; and published in the Gazette  of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), pages 345-475. 
41Omitted the word “and” by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.19 73, s.13; and published in the 
Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
42Substituted for the “full-stop” by the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.13; and published in 
the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
43Added by the Pharma cy (Amendment) Act, 1973 (XXII of 1973), w.e.f. 8.2.1973, s.13; and published in the Gazet te of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary). 
44Substituted for the words, comma and  figure “Drugs Act, 1940 ” by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance,1981(XXVII of 1981),w.e.f.8.7.1981, s.3 and the second Schedule; and published in the Gazette  of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), pages 345-475. 
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing 
power, such bye-laws may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:– 
(a) the procedure for the meetings of the Council and of its committees; 
(b) the management of the property of the Council; 
(c) maintenance and audit of the accounts of the Council ; 
(d) the procedure for election of the Vice-President; 
(e) the powers and duties of the President, Vice -President a nd other 
members of the Council; 
(f) the terms and conditions of service of the Secretary and other officers 
and staff of the Council; 
(g) fees to be prescribed under this Act; and 
(h) such other matters as are required by this Act to be provided for by 
bye-laws or a re considered necessary for the efficient performance of 
the functions of the Council. 
(3) Until such time as the bye -laws are made, the President of the Council 
may issue such instructions as he may consider necessary to regulate all or any of 
the matters  specified in sub -section (2 ); and any such instructions shall stand 
rescinded upon the making of bye-laws by the Council.