Pakistan, July 10 -- Karachi is facing a deepening crisis due to an artificial shortage of life-saving medicines, pushing patients into distress and raising alarm among health officials. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has decided to launch a citywide crackdown on hoarders and black market operators responsible for creating the shortage.

Patients and their families reported severe shortages of essential drugs, especially imported insulin injections, cancer medications, and cardiac drugs. In many pharmacies, stocks have vanished, while the same medicines are being sold illegally at inflated prices, up to 20% above retail. Some people have had to visit five or six pharmacies before finding what they need - if at all.

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