The recent warnings from Pakistan's Health Minister Mustafa Kamal highlight a significant economic challenge facing the country regarding vaccine imports. As reported by Tribune Home, Kamal emphasized that if domestic vaccine manufacturing is not established, Pakistan could face an annual vaccine import bill of up to $1.2 billion by 2031. Currently, the country spends about $400 million annually on importing vaccines, with international partners covering 49% of these costs. However, this international assistance is expected to cease after 2031, potentially leaving Pakistan to shoulder the entire financial burden. Kamal noted that Pakistan, with its population of approximately 240 million and an annual birth rate of 6.2 million, has a growing demand for vaccines, which are currently provided free of charge to citizens but are entirely imported.