Pakistan is facing a growing health crisis as the misuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant diseases such as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB).

During a speech in the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Health disclosed that over 51 percent of Pakistanis are self-medicating with antibiotics.

The Federal Ministry of Health stressed that Pakistan is among the top consumers of antibiotics, with high usage stemming from both self-medication by the public and overprescribing by qualified doctors.

The officials highlighted that unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions by doctors are exacerbating antimicrobial resistance, worsening the impact of diseases that become increasingly harder to treat.

Authorities also pointed to excessive antibiotic use in the poultry and livestock sectors as another contributor to resistance.