The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety & Halal Food Authority has finalised a comprehensive strategy to launch special campaigns against adulterated, unhygienic, and substandard food before and during the holy month of Ramazan, in line with directives issued by the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Director General Kashif Iqbal Jilani said the plan aims to ensure the uninterrupted supply of safe and quality food to citizens during Ramazan, a period marked by increased food consumption across the province. He directed all field inspection teams to enhance their performance and warned that a strict system of reward and punishment would be enforced without discrimination under the law.

The directives were issued while the director general chaired an online meeting with field teams. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Director Administration Abdul Rehman, Director Operations Muhammad Yousaf, Director Technical Dr Abdul Sattar Shah, and Director Finance Zahir Mahmood. Officials were briefed on departmental performance during January and the scope of planned Ramazan campaigns.

According to the finalised plan, special inspections will be conducted for milk, meat, bakery items, beverages, spices, cooking oil, ghee, and other food items commonly consumed during Ramazan. The inspections are aimed at ensuring food safety standards are maintained in markets and supply chains.

The director general also informed participants that a three-day province-wide campaign against adulterated and substandard milk has already been launched. Under this drive, regular checks are being carried out at entry points of major cities to prevent the distribution of unsafe milk.

Field teams were instructed to take firm action against those involved in food adulteration and warned that negligence in duty would not be tolerated. Jilani described food adulteration as a serious crime and said its elimination was both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility.

He further stressed that all officers must work strictly on merit and resist any political or undue pressure. He warned that if any official is found involved in corruption, strict legal action would be taken after due process.