The Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Faqir Muhammad Sabir, Founder and Chairman of Sabirs’ Group, during his recent visit to the Authority’s state-of-the-art facilities. The distinguished guest was received by Director General PAFDA, Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, along with Member Food, Dr. Muhammad Nasir. During the visit, Dr. Sabir was given a comprehensive overview of PAFDA’s Food Laboratories, testing methodologies, analytical capabilities, and quality assurance protocols that support regulatory compliance and public safety.

The visit provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions on strengthening Pakistan’s feed industry through enhanced testing services, research and development, and greater industry-regulator collaboration. Dr. Sabir shared valuable insights into emerging industry requirements and expressed his willingness to support the identification and development of specialized tests to address sector-specific needs. PAFDA values such engagements with industry leaders and remains committed to fostering innovation, ensuring quality standards, and strengthening regulatory compliance across the feed and food value chain through science-driven solutions and strategic partnerships.

Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed a delegation from Engro Fertilizers led by Mr. Atif Mohammad Ali, Vice President Commercial Division, for a meeting with Director General PAFDA, Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha. The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss the importance of quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and scientific testing in supporting sustainable industrial and agricultural development. The delegation was briefed on PAFDA's state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and its role in ensuring quality, safety, and compliance across multiple sectors.

During the meeting, discussions focused on potential areas of collaboration including Inter-Laboratory Comparisons (ILCs), soil mapping initiatives, industrial testing services, and regulatory frameworks aimed at strengthening quality standards and industry compliance. Both sides engaged in a constructive exchange of ideas on leveraging scientific expertise and data-driven approaches to support innovation, productivity, and public confidence. The visit concluded on a positive note, laying the foundation for stronger coordination between industry and regulatory institutions in pursuit of improved standards, sustainable growth, and public benefit.

Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed a delegation of distinguished faculty members from LUMS, including Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Dr. Zaigham Shahzad, and Dr. Amir Faisal from the Department of Life Sciences, along with Dr. Tauqeer Abbas from the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, for a visit to its laboratories. The delegation was received by the Director General and senior management of PAFDA, who provided a comprehensive briefing on the Authority's state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced analytical capabilities, and its role in safeguarding public health through science-based regulation, testing, and quality assurance. The visitors were given an overview of PAFDA's multidisciplinary laboratory facilities and ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory science in Punjab.

The visit also served as a platform to explore future collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including drug testing, biologics and vaccine testing, food and agricultural supply chain safety, and data-driven scientific research. Discussions focused on potential cooperation in water quality monitoring and testing, including advanced analysis of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other potentially carcinogenic contaminants in water. Both institutions expressed interest in formalizing collaboration through a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing research, environmental monitoring, water safety, and evidence-based decision-making to support improved public health outcomes and scientific innovation in Pakistan.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) hosted a delegation of officers from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) for an informative visit aimed at enhancing their understanding of regulatory systems and scientific practices that support public service delivery. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on PAFDA's mandate, regulatory functions, and its role in ensuring food safety, quality assurance, and consumer protection across Punjab. The officers were also introduced to the Authority's integrated approach towards testing and surveillance in the agriculture, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.

The delegation toured PAFDA's state-of-the-art laboratories, gaining firsthand exposure to modern analytical technologies, testing procedures, and operational workflows. The visit highlighted the Authority's commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and evidence-based regulation in safeguarding public health and consumer interests. Such engagements play an important role in strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering a deeper understanding of the scientific and regulatory frameworks that contribute to effective governance.

Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) celebrated World Milk Day by bringing together women leaders from the dairy sector, scientists, and professionals to recognize the importance of milk as a vital source of nutrition and to celebrate the contributions of women across the dairy value chain. The event featured inspiring stories from Ms. Fiza Hussain, a successful dairy farmer and entrepreneur; Ms. Saima Bibi, a Milk Collection Service Provider who has become a source of inspiration within her community; and Ms. Kalsoom Khan, an Area Milk Collection Manager whose leadership and dedication continue to support dairy development and strengthen milk collection systems in rural areas.

The celebration also highlighted the critical role of science, quality assurance, and innovation in ensuring milk safety and consumer protection. With nearly 70 percent of PAFDA's scientific workforce comprising women, the event served as a reflection of the talent, expertise, and leadership of the women working across the Authority's laboratories and technical departments. Through advanced scientific testing, stakeholder engagement, and awareness initiatives, PAFDA remains committed to promoting food safety, supporting the dairy sector, and contributing to healthier communities across Punjab.

Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed Mr. Arslan Malik from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for an institutional visit aimed at exploring avenues of collaboration and strengthening engagement on scientific and regulatory systems. During the visit, discussions focused on the importance of internationally aligned standards, institutional capacity building, and the role of modern scientific infrastructure in supporting safer and more transparent systems in Pakistan.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s state-of-the-art laboratories, where officials showcased advanced testing facilities and scientific processes related to food, agriculture, and drug safety. The visit highlighted PAFDA’s commitment to strengthening quality assurance, public safety, and scientific excellence through collaboration with national and international partners working towards sustainable and secure communities.

Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) had the honor of welcoming Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, internationally renowned scientist, Coordinator General COMSTECH, Distinguished National Professor, and recipient of numerous national and international scientific honors, during a high-level institutional visit accompanied by a delegation. The visit reflected PAFDA’s continued commitment towards strengthening scientific collaboration, innovation, and research-driven institutional development in Pakistan.

During the engagement, discussions focused on the importance of advancing scientific excellence, promoting collaborative research initiatives, and strengthening modern institutional systems through innovation and knowledge exchange. The delegation was briefed on PAFDA’s scientific infrastructure, laboratory capabilities, and ongoing efforts aimed at supporting public health, food safety, agriculture, and regulatory quality systems through science-driven approaches. The visit concluded with a shared commitment towards fostering future collaboration and strengthening research and innovation ecosystems in Pakistan.

Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed a delegation from Ravi Agritech led by CEO Ravi Agritech and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Italy, Mr. Fahad Iqbal, for an institutional visit and collaborative discussions at PAFDA Headquarters. The delegation met with Director General PAFDA, Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, where both sides explored avenues for mutual cooperation aimed at promoting modern, safe, and sustainable agricultural practices in Punjab and across Pakistan.

During the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s Agriculture Testing Laboratory and received a detailed briefing on the Authority’s modern scientific infrastructure, analytical capabilities, and quality assurance systems supporting the agriculture sector. Discussions also highlighted the importance of science-driven collaboration, innovation, and regulatory support in strengthening agricultural productivity, sustainability, and public confidence. The visit concluded with a shared commitment towards future cooperation for the advancement of safe and sustainable agriculture in Pakistan.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) hosted a distinguished delegation of senior civil servants from Bangladesh under the Executive Development Program for a high-level institutional visit aimed at promoting scientific exchange, regulatory collaboration, and public sector learning. The delegation was received under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Secretary, Home Department Punjab, alongside Ms. Zainab Khan, Special Secretary (D&M), Home Department, Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Director General PAFDA, and senior officials.

During the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s Food, Drug, and Agriculture Testing Laboratories and received detailed briefings on laboratory operations, scientific infrastructure, quality systems, and regulatory functions. The engagement also included presentations and discussions on institutional frameworks, innovation, and governance models supporting modern public sector systems. The visit reflects a shared commitment towards strengthening regional cooperation, scientific collaboration, and knowledge exchange in the areas of food safety, public health, and regulatory excellence.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA), in collaboration with GAIN Pakistan, the Pakistan Business Council, Pakistan Dairy Association, and partner stakeholders, hosted a seminar on Strengthening Sustainability and the launch of the localized Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Guidebook at PAFDA, Lahore. The event brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, and development organizations to discuss the importance of responsible business practices in advancing a more sustainable and resilient food and dairy sector in Pakistan.

The seminar highlighted the significance of aligning local industry practices with international responsible business standards while addressing Pakistan’s operational realities. The RBC Guidebook provides practical tools to help businesses strengthen environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across their value chains through self-assessment, gap identification, and action planning. The event also featured discussions on sustainability and innovation initiatives under the Whey2Value Project, focused on transforming whey into value-added nutritional products while reducing environmental waste within the dairy sector.