PAFDA had the honor of hosting Mr. Richard Sprenger, Chairman of the Highfield Group, a globally recognized certification and accreditation body, during his recent visit to the Authority. With over six decades of international experience in food safety, training, and certification, Mr. Sprenger is widely regarded as one of the leading experts in the field. His visit marked an important step towards strengthening PAFDA’s engagement with global institutions and aligning its systems with international best practices.

During his visit, Mr. Sprenger was given a comprehensive overview of PAFDA’s state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, including its advanced analytical systems, quality assurance frameworks, and digital workflows. He visited multiple laboratory units and observed the Authority’s commitment to accuracy, traceability, and regulatory reliability. Detailed discussions were held on PAFDA’s operational model, its regulatory approach, and its role in ensuring food safety and public health across Punjab.

A key focus of the visit was the exploration of future collaboration opportunities between PAFDA and Highfield Group. Both sides identified several critical areas for partnership, including food safety systems, food fraud detection, food security, and professional training and certification programs. These areas are central to strengthening regulatory ecosystems and enhancing the capacity of scientific institutions to respond to emerging challenges in food safety. Initial groundwork for collaboration has been established, with both organizations expressing commitment to begin joint initiatives in the coming weeks.

Mr. Sprenger also engaged directly with PAFDA’s scientific community during a session held in the auditorium, where he addressed a gathering of scientists and professionals. Drawing on his extensive global experience, he shared valuable insights on modern food safety practices, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the importance of continuous learning and professional development. His session provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and inspired PAFDA’s teams to further enhance their capabilities in line with international standards.

Reflecting on his visit, Mr. Sprenger appreciated PAFDA’s rapid progress, strong human resource base, and the Authority’s vision to position itself as a leading scientific and regulatory institution. He acknowledged the quality of its laboratories and highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration, training, and global engagement in building robust food safety systems.

Ahsan Tayyab, Consultant Economist and former Asian Development Bank (ADB) official, visited the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) and appreciated its advanced laboratory infrastructure and institutional capabilities. The visit provided an opportunity to observe PAFDA’s integrated approach to scientific testing, regulatory systems, and its alignment with international standards.

During the engagement, Mr. Tayyab highlighted PAFDA’s strong emphasis on human resource development and the role of skilled professionals in delivering reliable, high-quality outcomes. He expressed optimism for future collaboration and knowledge exchange, noting that PAFDA’s continued progress positions it as a modern, science-driven institution with growing regional and international relevance.

CEO Punjab Saaf Pani Authority, Capt. (R) Syed Ali Asghar, visited the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) to review its laboratory capabilities and explore avenues for coordination in water quality testing and monitoring systems. The visit provided an overview of PAFDA’s advanced analytical infrastructure and its role in ensuring quality and safety across multiple sectors, including water testing for public health protection.

During the visit, discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions to enhance water quality assessment, improve monitoring mechanisms, and support evidence-based decision-making. The engagement highlighted the importance of integrated scientific systems in ensuring safe drinking water and reinforced a shared commitment to safeguarding public health through reliable testing and regulatory frameworks.

Secretary Home Department Punjab, Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, visited the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) to review its operational systems, laboratory infrastructure, and ongoing initiatives. The visit provided an overview of PAFDA’s integrated approach to testing and regulation across food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors, highlighting its role in ensuring quality, safety, and compliance through advanced scientific systems.

During the visit, discussions focused on strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing inter-departmental coordination, and aligning future priorities with emerging regulatory and public service needs. The review underscored PAFDA’s continued evolution as a modern, science-driven institution committed to delivering reliable, evidence-based outcomes and reinforcing public confidence in regulatory systems across Punjab.

Following the formalization of an Agreement of Cooperation (AoC), PAFDA, in collaboration with CABI, organized a workshop aimed at advancing shared priority areas for the coming year. The session was designed to operationalize the partnership by translating strategic objectives into practical initiatives, with a focus on strengthening research, knowledge access, and scientific capacity.

The workshop provided scientists with exposure to CABI’s global resources and access to specialized training materials, enabling them to explore tools and methodologies relevant to their work. Through this interactive session, participants engaged with learning platforms and gained insights to support evidence-based practices. The initiative marks an important step in implementing the AoC and reinforcing a structured approach to collaboration, capacity building, and innovation.

PAFDA hosted Prof. Dr. Munir Iqbal, Head of the Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Group at The Pirbright Institute, UK, a leading international research institute in animal health and disease control. The visit provided an opportunity to engage with global expertise in critical areas of animal and public health, particularly in the context of emerging and zoonotic diseases.

During the engagement, discussions focused on potential collaboration in disease research, diagnostics, and laboratory systems. Both sides emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and scientific cooperation to strengthen surveillance, improve response mechanisms, and support overall health security. The visit reflects PAFDA’s commitment to building international partnerships that advance research, innovation, and public health outcomes.

PAFDA formalized an Agreement of Cooperation (AoC) with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to strengthen collaborative efforts in improving food systems and nutritional outcomes in Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by Ms. Farrah Naz, Country Director, and Mr. Adil Daniel, Project Manager at GAIN, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on public health and nutrition.

The collaboration aims to promote awareness, enhance food quality standards, and support evidence-based initiatives to address nutritional challenges. By combining expertise and resources, both organizations seek to advance sustainable solutions that contribute to improved health outcomes and a stronger, more resilient food system in Pakistan.

PAFDA welcomed Mr. Mohammad Muggo (CEO, United Industries Ltd / United Snacks Ltd), Mr. Muhammad Shahnawaz (Director HR & Public Affairs, United Industries Ltd), and Dr. Umair Bajwa (Director Industrial Linkages, GCUF) for a visit aimed at strengthening collaboration between industry and academia. The engagement focused on understanding industry needs, promoting knowledge exchange, and aligning efforts towards improved quality standards and regulatory practices.

During the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s laboratories and appreciated its advanced testing infrastructure and capabilities. Discussions highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in testing services, compliance support, and innovation-driven practices. The visit reflects PAFDA’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships that contribute to a more efficient, quality-focused, and competitive ecosystem.

PAFDA welcomed a 3-member delegation from Wilson’s Pharma Group, comprising Mr. M. Kashif Mirza (Group Director Technical Operations), Dr. M. Zahid Yusuf (Head of Business Development), and Mr. Masood Ahmed (Deputy GM Quality Control). The visit was aimed at exploring opportunities for collaboration in quality assurance, testing systems, and regulatory alignment within the pharmaceutical sector.

During the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s laboratories to observe its advanced testing infrastructure and operational capabilities. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in ensuring high-quality standards, enhancing compliance mechanisms, and supporting industry through reliable and efficient testing services. The engagement reflects PAFDA’s commitment to fostering partnerships that contribute to a more robust and quality-driven pharmaceutical ecosystem.

PAFDA welcomed H.E. Ladislav Steinhübel, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Pakistan, along with distinguished guests, for a visit aimed at strengthening international collaboration. The engagement provided an opportunity to showcase PAFDA’s infrastructure, testing capabilities, and integrated approach towards ensuring quality and safety across food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors.

During the visit, discussions focused on exploring avenues for cooperation in research, laboratory systems, and knowledge exchange. Both sides emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing regulatory frameworks, improving testing standards, and fostering innovation. The visit reflects PAFDA’s commitment to building global partnerships that contribute to enhanced quality assurance and public health outcomes.