Pakistan has taken a major step toward food safety and export quality assurance with the inauguration of the country’s first Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority, a move leaders say was long overdue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body for food, agricultural commodities, and medicines was “the need of the hour.”

Addressing the launch ceremony, he expressed hope that the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority would emerge as a centre of excellence in the region. He said transparent supervision of food and medicines was essential to protect consumers, farmers, and exporters alike.

The premier recalled that a modern laboratory had been built in Karachi 20 years ago with a grant from a friendly country, but was left unused and allowed to rust. He said the issue came to light during a scandal involving the DPP, exposing how badly institutions had been mismanaged.

“If donors find out that grants are buried like this in Pakistan, what will happen to the government?” he asked, calling the episode a lesson in accountability.

Crackdown after rice export complaint

PM Shehbaz revealed that six to eight months ago, a complaint regarding rice exports was raised in the federal cabinet. Investigations uncovered what he termed “total fraud,” leading to the jailing of those responsible.

He said the department was overhauled, its name changed, the entire staff replaced, and sent to surplus pools. A new CEO and team were appointed, and the department is now functioning transparently for the first time in decades.

Maryam hailed for driving project

The prime minister paid special tribute to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, crediting her leadership for making the authority a reality. He said her role in establishing Pakistan’s first Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority was commendable and a major public service.

“This authority is proof that reforms can work when there is will and honesty,” he added.

Punjab’s first world-class testing authority

Speaking at the ceremony, CM Maryam said that despite Pakistan being an agricultural country, the absence of a world-class testing laboratory had long been a matter of concern. She noted that both exporters and consumers suffered due to outdated or non-existent testing facilities.

She said the new authority and laboratory have been built according to international standards, filling a critical gap in Pakistan’s food and drug regulation system.

Boost for exports, consumers, farmers

The CM said exporters were previously facing serious losses due to lack of credible testing, while consumers were also at risk from substandard food and medicines. With the new authority, she said, Punjab aims to restore international confidence in Pakistani exports.

She added that 23,000 businesses have already been allowed to operate in Punjab under improved regulatory mechanisms.

Alongside the authority, a hostel for women scientists was inaugurated at a cost of Rs2.3 billion. Maryam Nawaz said women scientists from across Pakistan will be able to live and work at the facility, strengthening research capacity.

She described the hostel and lab as symbols of inclusivity and merit-based progress.

Digital revolution, modern policing

Maryam Nawaz highlighted that a digital revolution has begun in Punjab, with no compromise on merit. She said drone technology is being used to control crime, satellite crime scene units are being expanded to 38 districts, and virtual women police stations have been established for women’s safety.

She also announced the launch of e-Business Registration, saying reforms were designed to support transparency and ease of doing business.

10 years of effort

The chief minister said the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority is the result of 10 years of sustained effort, made possible by the hard work of current staff and institutional reforms.

“Punjab is on the path of development and prosperity. Public service is our motto,” she said, expressing satisfaction at seeing the institution finally operational.

PM Shehbaz and CM Maryam jointly inspected various sections of the authority and laboratory. Officials briefed them on operations, and a documentary film showcasing Pakistan’s first Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority was presented at the event.