Pakistan Launches Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority to Improve Safety Standards

January 31, 2026 | Lahore
LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the use of modern technology and strict adherence to transparency and merit were essential for effective public service delivery, as he inaugurated the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) in Lahore.
Addressing the launch ceremony, the prime minister described PAFDA as a “state-of-the-art initiative” aimed at improving standards of food safety, agricultural products and pharmaceuticals across the province. He said there was “zero tolerance” for corruption and violations of merit, adding that public welfare remained the government’s top priority.
The event was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, along with senior federal and provincial officials and lawmakers.
Sharif said the establishment of a modern regulatory authority was the need of the hour to ensure food security and public health, expressing confidence that PAFDA would emerge as a centre of excellence not only for Punjab but for Pakistan as a whole. He praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and her team for transforming a previously dilapidated facility into a modern institution equipped with advanced technology.
The prime minister also highlighted past governance reforms, including institutional restructuring and the expansion of forensic laboratories to support crime prevention and evidence-based investigations.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Punjab was moving towards development and prosperity under the leadership and vision of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. She said the launch of PAFDA marked a major milestone in public service delivery.
She noted that despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan had long lacked internationally accredited testing laboratories, resulting in losses for exporters and importers. She said the authority’s laboratory facilities, developed after a decade of effort, would be fully operational next month and meet global standards.
Maryam Nawaz also announced several governance and technology initiatives, including the expansion of satellite crime units to all 38 districts of Punjab, the establishment of a women scientists’ hostel at a cost of Rs2.3 billion, the extension of artificial intelligence programmes to schools, and the launch of virtual police stations.