Pakistan has taken an important step to improve food safety and export standards with a new regulatory body. The Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority was officially inaugurated on Friday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the move long overdue. He said strong oversight of food, agriculture products, and medicines was essential. He added that consumer safety and export credibility depend on proper regulation.
Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said the authority should become a regional center of excellence. He stressed transparency and accountability in all operations. He noted that weak oversight in the past damaged public trust.
The prime minister recalled a laboratory built in Karachi nearly 20 years ago. It was funded through foreign assistance but remained unused. He said poor management allowed the facility to deteriorate. The issue surfaced during an earlier scandal, highlighting institutional failures.
Shehbaz Sharif warned that misuse of donor funds harms Pakistan’s image. He said such failures discourage future international support. He called the new authority a lesson in reform and responsibility.
He also revealed that a rice export complaint surfaced months ago. Investigations uncovered serious fraud. Those involved were jailed, and the department was dismantled. Staff members were removed, and a new team was appointed.
The prime minister praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her leadership. He credited her for turning the long-pending project into reality. He said reforms succeed only when driven by political will.
Maryam Nawaz said the absence of modern testing facilities hurt exporters and consumers alike. She noted that Pakistan is an agricultural country, yet lacked world-class laboratories. The new authority meets international standards.
She said improved testing will protect consumers and boost exports. More than 23,000 businesses are already operating under updated regulatory systems.
A hostel for women scientists was also inaugurated. The facility cost Rs2.3 billion. It will house researchers from across Pakistan and support scientific work.
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted digital reforms in Punjab. These include drone surveillance, satellite crime units, and virtual women police stations. She said merit and transparency remain priorities.
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Officials believe the authority will strengthen public health, exports, and investor confidence. For Pakistan, the launch marks a key step toward institutional reform and sustainable growth.
