South Asia’s First & Most Modern Punjab Science Enclave: High-Tech Labs for Agriculture, Drug & Food Testing Under One Roof
Lahore : Prime Minister Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally inaugurated Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) by launching its laboratory operations. They also laid foundation stone of a women scientists’ hostel project. Diplomats from 20 countries attended the inaugural ceremony. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed the diplomats. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif gave Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif “full marks” and presented her a symbolic salute. They visited various sections of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority, and observed functioning of the authority and inspected state-of-the-art equipment in agriculture, food, and drug testing labs, and also observed sample collection procedure in the laboratories.
DG PAFDA Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha briefed them that PAFDA employs 232 scientists, most of whom are gold medalists, and 70% are women scientists. He added that in addition to scientists from Punjab, scientists from other provinces are also working in PAFDA labs. He highlighted that Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) will make it possible to ensure quality of food, agriculture, and medicines, as the establishment of PAFDA will eliminate dependence on foreign laboratories for determining quality of goods. He underscored that PAFDA will restore confidence in “Made in Pakistan” products among foreign consumer, as a high-tech drug testing lab has been established in PAFDA with the assistance of England and Turkiye.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the establishment of Punjab Science Enclave will make agriculture, drug, and food testing possible under one roof. She added that high-tech machinery worth Rs 4.4 billion has been brought in for PAFDA, while additional 565 high-tech machines will also be provided soon. She underscored that in order to give practical shape to the concept of a Safe Punjab, Satellite Crime Scene Units are being established in 38 districts. She noted that the quality of cosmetics can also be determined at PAFDA, which will enable nutrient profiling, microbiology safety, and verification of ingredients used. Chief Minister Punjab noted that the province’s first Women Scientists Hostel will be built at PAFDA at a cost of Rs 2 billion.
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.
