ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a new nationwide testing and certification body aimed at strengthening food safety, public health standards and export quality, with the formal inauguration of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) in Lahore.
The facility was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, according to an official statement.
PAFDA brings agriculture, food and pharmaceutical testing under a single regulatory framework, addressing long-standing gaps in quality control and certification across multiple sectors.
Officials said the authority houses advanced laboratories for food, crop and drug analysis, staffed by more than 230 scientists. The centre will also provide certification services for exporters, reducing reliance on overseas laboratories and helping Pakistani products meet international standards.
Speaking at the launch, Sharif said strong institutions were essential for public health protection and global trade credibility, adding that domestic testing capacity would support both consumers and businesses.
Punjab authorities said the facility will gradually expand its scope to include cosmetics, animal feed and soil testing. Other provinces will also be able to access PAFDA’s services for product verification and compliance.
The government said additional equipment will be installed in coming months as part of a broader effort to modernise quality assurance infrastructure and support Pakistan’s growing agri-food and pharmaceutical sectors.
