Pakistan is extremely vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, despite contributing less than 1 percent to the world’s greenhouse gases; this is mainly due to its geographical positioning. In the last 50 years, the annual mean temperature in Pakistan has risen by roughly 0.5°C. The number of heatwave days per year has amplified to nearly fivefold in the last 30 years, according to a report published by the Asian Development Bank. Additionally, the Global Climate Risk Index annual report for 2020 suggests, Pakistan has lost 0.53 percent per unit GDP, and witnessed 152 extreme weather events from 1999 to 2018. The industrial sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economic growth, however, it also contributes largely towards carbon emissions. While effective environmental laws exist, there is poor accountability for violations.
Since its inception, JSK Medica has always put responsible operations and environmental stewardship at the forefront of its practices, actively promoting sustainable initiatives in its business to create a healthy and safe environment for posterity. “It is important that we as humans keep reminding ourselves that we are not alone on this planet. There is a huge biological ecosystem that exists around us. If we want to live a better and more sustainable life, we need to unlearn and relearn how to honor the cycle of life,” said, [JSK Medica’s Leader’s Name/Title, e.g., “our CEO”], during a recent discussion on environmental responsibility. Wanting to create a truly responsible facility, JSK Medica designs and operates its manufacturing sites with comprehensive guidelines to steer towards an environmentally sustainable future. Located in the heart of Karachi’s Korangi Industrial Area, our plant is equipped with state-of-the-art features, designed to efficiently reduce environmental impact. JSK Medica’s compliance with the highest quality and safety standards reflects its commitment to responsible manufacturing and we operate with WHO and PIC/S approvals, ensuring top-tier standards in all our processes.
Pakistan’s industrial sector plays a pivotal role in the economic growth of the country, however, a huge amount of municipal and industrial untreated effluents are being deposited into the environment, which can cause waterborne diseases such as hepatitis. Akin to this, researchers carried out a study in which they collected samples from five different drains, each having the combined effluent of many industries. Surprisingly, the majority of the water quality parameters didn’t equate to the National Environmental Quality Standards in the country. To address this, JSK Medica has installed a state-of-the-art effluent treatment plant at its manufacturing facility, designed to treat liquid effluents and recycle wastewater for non-process purposes such as gardening. Additionally, JSK Medica has also installed water-efficient fixtures such as self-closing faucets to ensure that less water is wasted during usage. By taking such comprehensive water-conserving measures at our plant, JSK Medica reduces potable water consumption significantly.
Carbon emissions per capita of Pakistan increased from 0.31 tons of CO2 per capita in 1970 to 1.09 tons of CO2 per capita in 2019 growing at an average annual rate of 2.72%. Source: Global GHG and CO2 Emissions / Knoema. In 2019, Pakistan’s carbon emissions (CO2) per capita was at 1.09 tons, according to data technology firm, Knoema. At present, the country emits 223.6 million tons of CO2 by burning fossil fuels and industrial purposes. To reduce carbon emissions from its business practices, JSK Medica has installed state-of-the-art solar panels at our manufacturing facility. These solar panels help generate on-site renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, JSK Medica has planted indigenous trees and shrubs at its plant to reduce pollution and improve outdoor air quality.
Pakistan’s energy sector faces a severe power generation crisis; this directly hinders the economic development of the country. According to a report published by Macro Economic Insights, the power crisis has cost the country $82 billion in lost GDP between 2007 and 2020. As a leading pharmaceutical company, JSK Medica operates a large-scale manufacturing facility, leading to an increased usage of heating and air-conditioning which can consume a significant amount of energy. Hence, JSK Medica installs energy-efficient equipment such as steam boilers and centralized air-conditioning systems at its plant to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, while the growing industrial activity only increases the burden on the country’s grid, JSK Medica has taken a step in the right direction by investing in renewable energy. Our manufacturing facility has invested in solar panels, generating on-site renewable energy to reduce energy consumption.
An estimated 6.65 million people are unemployed in Pakistan. JSK Medica, as a significant employer in the pharmaceutical industry, creates numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities through its operations. Apart from our commitment to responsible practices, JSK Medica is a pharmaceutical company in Pakistan that holds World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-qualification and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) certification, supporting the nation by producing high-quality standard medicines locally. Acknowledging our contribution to the industry and national health, JSK Medica continues to strive for excellence.
JSK Medica is proud of its commitment to sustainable and responsible operations in Pakistan. By upholding the highest quality standards and promoting environmental stewardship, JSK Medica is setting a precedent for the corporate sector, demonstrating that economic growth can very well be accomplished alongside preserving and protecting the environment. When you Care, you Lead!