The Searle Company Limited has been helping people get healthy since its founding in 1965. Backed by a sound vision, best practices, passionate leadership, and dedicated staff, Searle has grown over the decades to become one of Pakistan’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Its core business revolves around manufacturing, marketing, selling, and distributing pharmaceutical and healthcare products. Today, it stands as the number one performing company on the Pakistan Stock Exchange and ranks as the second-largest company in the country by volume, according to IMS rankings.
Leading the Way in Healthcare
Searle has set itself apart by focusing on treatments for chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. The company operates some of the most advanced manufacturing plants in Pakistan, giving it a competitive edge in cutting-edge medical technology. Its commitment to excellence has positioned Searle as the first Pakistani pharmaceutical company to export to the United Kingdom and other European markets.
Recognition and Accolades
Searle’s remarkable growth and commitment to quality have earned it numerous accolades. It was named the most outstanding company in Pakistan in Asiamoney’s Outstanding Companies Poll 2018 and has consistently secured a spot on Forbes Asia’s Best Under a Billion list, which recognizes the top 200 companies in the Asia-Pacific region with annual sales of under US$1 billion.
A People-First Culture
While awards and recognition serve as milestones, Searle acknowledges that the true driving force behind its success is its workforce of over 2,000 employees. The company fosters a family-oriented culture, believing it improves communication, productivity, and efficiency. Employees are regarded as the backbone of the company and enjoy numerous benefits, including life insurance, medical coverage for outpatient and inpatient care, provident and gratuity funds, healthy office lunches, annual office picnics with families, performance-based awards and certifications, and financial incentives.
To ensure a highly skilled workforce, Searle invests in regular training and development programs. The company also maintains an open-door policy that encourages honest feedback and transparent communication, leading to high employee retention.
Rising to the Challenge of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge, but Searle swiftly stepped up to ensure the availability of life-saving medicines across Pakistan. Despite the risks, the company prioritized an efficient supply chain and initiated a rigorous drive to produce and distribute personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits, and screening and detection tools.
The crisis also exposed a critical shortfall in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry—only 5% of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) were locally produced, while 95% were imported. With global demand for raw materials surging, Searle took proactive steps to invest in API production. It also urged the government to introduce incentives for entrepreneurs to establish API manufacturing companies in Pakistan.
A Vision for the Future
Beyond COVID-19, Searle remains focused on expanding its impact. The company is actively working on establishing research and development (R&D) centers to address Pakistan’s limited pharmaceutical R&D infrastructure. It has ambitious plans to launch new products, enhance existing ones, extend brands into the over-the-counter market, and increase market penetration.
Searle’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is also evident in its initiative to plant 300,000 trees in Karachi, reinforcing its dedication to environmental sustainability. At the heart of it all, Searle continues to do what it does best—delivering high-quality healthcare products and services that improve lives.
A Seal of Approval
For the high standards it has for its products and services, for the caring work environment it has created for its staff, and for the strategic initiatives it has undertaken to develop the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan, The Searle Company Limited receives our seal of approval — Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, MORS Group
