LAHORE : Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Punjab government
on the inauguration of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA), terming it
a landmark institution for ensuring food security and hygienic standards across the country.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the prime minister praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for transforming a long-neglected and incomplete building into a modern, IT-led and AI-enabled laboratory.
He said the project, which had remained idle for years, now stands as a symbol of progress
and good governance. “Full marks to Maryam Nawaz Sharif for converting an idling building
into a great institution,” he remarked.
He also commended the efforts of scientists, experts, and professionals who worked tirelessly to
complete what he described as a unique project in Pakistan.
According to the prime minister, the PAFDA will play a vital role in ensuring food safety, quality control,
and public health, calling it a need of the hour.
Recalling the establishment of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in 2009, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted how the absence of a credible forensic system had once allowed criminals to escape justice.
He paid rich tribute to late Dr Ashraf Tahir, who left a successful career in the United States to serve Pakistan, and acknowledged the role of former provincial officer Naseem Sadiq and other officials in setting up the forensic lab.
The prime minister expressed regret that the PAFDA building had remained incomplete for five to six years due to political neglect, despite billions of rupees being spent. He said that during his incarceration nearby, seeing the abandoned structure was heart-wrenching. He lauded the current Punjab leadership for reviving the project and turning it into a state-of-the-art facility.
Speaking on governance reforms, the prime minister cited examples of action taken against corruption in export-related institutions, including reforms in departments involved in rice exports and quality certification. He emphasized that strong and transparent institutions are essential for national credibility and international trade.
He further said the PAFDA will not only serve Punjab but will also benefit all provinces by providing reliable testing and certification services for food items such as rice, betel nuts, milk, and water.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Punjab cabinet, chief secretary, police leadership, and all officials involved in the project. He expressed hope that the PAFDA would help eliminate adulteration and set new standards for food and drug regulation in Pakistan, calling it a great national service.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented a souvenir to the prime minister.
The chief minister also spoke on the occasion.
The federal ministers, provincial ministers, businessmen and diplomats attended the ceremony.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
