PM and CM Formally Inaugurated PAFDA Formally in Lahore
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, formally inaugurated the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA). This modern, high-tech authority is established to test and certify agricultural products, food, medicines, and other goods. It is considered a major milestone at the national level.
Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that transparent institutions with modern technology are essential for public health, food safety, and boosting exports. He added that PAFDA will play a key role in ensuring quality and benefit the entire country.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that although Pakistan is an agricultural country, it lacked a world-class testing lab, which affected exports. She stated that Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority will set national and international standards, and products unfit for export will not be offered to the public. She also highlighted the establishment of a safe, modern hostel for women scientists.
PAFDA Infrastructure and Facilities
Currently, Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority has 42 advanced machines, with 565 more to be added in the coming months. The project meets international standards. The authority employs 232 scientists, mostly women, including several PhDs and gold medalists.
پروفیسر طلعت نصیر پاشا ڈی جی پنجاب ایگریکلچر، فوڈ اینڈ ڈرگ اتھارٹی مقرر، اتھارٹی بارے تفصیلات
The state-of-the-art facility in Lahore brings agriculture, food, and drug testing under one roof. It will reduce reliance on foreign labs and increase trust in Pakistani products globally. PAFDA provides testing for food, medicines, cosmetics, animal feed, soil fertility, water, and orthopedic implants. Other provinces can also use its services.
The Prime Minister and Chief Minister toured different labs, inspected modern equipment, and reviewed sampling and testing procedures. Officials said the authority will play a central role in strengthening food safety, public health, and export quality control.
Dignitaries at the Inaugural Ceremony
Diplomats from 20 countries attended the ceremony. Other notable attendees included Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, IG Punjab Usman Anwar, and PAFDA DG Professor Talat Nasir Pasha.
