PM Shehbaz, CM Maryam inaugurate Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday hailed the launch of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) as a major step forward in strengthening food safety and hygiene standards across Pakistan, describing the institution as a milestone for national food security.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister applauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for turning what he called a long-abandoned and incomplete structure into a modern laboratory equipped with advanced IT systems and artificial intelligence.

He noted that a project which had gathered dust for years had now emerged as a symbol of development and effective governance, giving full credit to the chief minister for transforming an idle building into a functional and impressive institution.

PM Shehbaz also appreciated the dedication of scientists, technical experts, and other professionals whose persistent efforts brought the ambitious project to completion, calling it one of Pakistan’s most distinctive initiatives in the public sector.

He said that PAFDA is set to play a crucial role in improving food safety, maintaining quality standards, and protecting public health, saying such an institution was urgently needed in the country.

Recalling the creation of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) in 2009, PM Shehbaz said that before the facility was established, the lack of a reliable forensic system had allowed many criminals to evade justice.

He paid tribute to the late Dr. Ashraf Tahir, who left a successful career in the United States to contribute to Pakistan, and also acknowledged the efforts of former provincial officer Naseem Sadiq and other officials who helped build the forensic lab.

PM Shehbaz expressed disappointment that the PAFDA building had remained unfinished for five to six years due to what he described as political indifference, despite billions of rupees having been spent on it.

He shared that during a period of incarceration nearby, seeing the neglected structure had deeply saddened him.

The premier praised the current Punjab leadership for reviving the project and converting it into a state-of-the-art facility.

Turning to broader governance reforms, PM Shehbaz referred to recent measures taken to curb corruption in export-related bodies, including reforms in departments linked to rice exports and quality certification.

He stressed that credible and transparent institutions are vital for enhancing Pakistan’s reputation and boosting international trade.

The premier added that PAFDA’s services would extend beyond Punjab, offering dependable testing and certification for food products such as rice, betel nuts, milk, and water to all provinces.

PM Shehbaz congratulated the Punjab cabinet, the chief secretary, police officials, and all others who contributed to completing the project.

He expressed the hope that PAFDA would help curb food adulteration and introduce higher benchmarks for food and drug regulation in Pakistan, describing it as a valuable service to the nation.

Earlier in the ceremony, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented a commemorative shield to the prime minister and also addressed the gathering.

Federal and provincial ministers, members of the business community, and diplomats were among those who attended the event.