Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described the establishment of the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority as a major step toward strengthening food security, public health, and safety standards in Punjab, with potential benefits for the entire country.
Speaking about the initiative, the prime minister said the new authority would play a central role in regulating food quality, addressing adulteration, and improving oversight across the agriculture and food sectors. He said the move matters at a time when food safety and public health have become critical policy priorities.
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Focus on food safety and public health
The prime minister said the authority is designed as a modern, technology-driven institution that will support safe nutrition, curb food adulteration, and assist scientific and forensic investigations to ensure credible evidence in food-related violations.
He said the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority is expected to function as a regional center of excellence, setting standards that could be replicated in other parts of Pakistan.
Role of provincial leadership and experts
Mr Sharif credited Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for leading the initiative, noting her role in advancing reforms aimed at improving public health and food safety in the province.
He also acknowledged the contributions of scientists and technical experts involved in establishing the authority, saying their expertise would be key to effective regulation and enforcement.
The prime minister said the authority’s integrated approach—combining technology, regulation, and expert oversight—would help safeguard consumers, strengthen food security, and raise national standards in agriculture and food regulation.
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