The Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority hosted a delegation from Better Cotton during their visit to the Authority.

The delegation comprised Hina Fouzia, Country Director Pakistan & Tajikistan; Ansa Rabia, Development and Partnership Lead Pakistan & Tajikistan; and Khushbakht Jamal Fatima, Programme Manager.

During the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s advanced laboratories and was briefed on the Authority’s science-based regulatory framework. They appreciated PAFDA’s role in strengthening quality assurance systems, supporting sustainable agricultural value chains, and promoting credible scientific testing in Pakistan.

PAFDA celebrated the remarkable women this International Women’s Day - empowering science, leadership, and change.

To promote sustainability alongside empowerment, a plantation activity was held during the International Women’s Day event at the PAFDA. The saplings were watered by distinguished guests Prof. Dr. Iram Anjum, Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, and Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen, symbolizing a shared commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
Marking International Women’s Day with a seminar dedicated to women’s health awareness and empowerment, the event at PAFDA brought together professionals and academic leaders for a meaningful exchange of ideas.
The celebration was honored by the presence of distinguished guests Prof. Dr. Iram Anjum, Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, and Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen, who joined as chief guests and shared their perspectives on women’s empowerment, health awareness, and leadership.

During the seminar, the esteemed guests also addressed the audience, sharing their perspectives on the importance of women’s empowerment, health awareness, and the role of education and science in building stronger communities.

Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority Inaugurated

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally inaugurated the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) on Saturday. The facility, described as one of the most advanced science enclaves in South Asia, brings state-of-the-art laboratories for agriculture, food, and drug testing under a single integrated framework.

The inauguration also marked the commencement of PAFDA’s laboratory operations. On the occasion, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a dedicated hostel facility for women scientists working at the authority.

The ceremony was attended by diplomatic representatives from over 20 countries, reflecting international interest in Punjab’s expanding scientific and regulatory infrastructure.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister appreciated the Chief Minister’s leadership and progress in strengthening public institutions. Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister toured various sections of PAFDA, reviewed operational arrangements, and inspected the agriculture, food, and drug testing laboratories. They were briefed on laboratory workflows and observed the sampling and testing procedures in practice.

Director General PAFDA, Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, informed the participants that the authority currently employs 232 scientists, the majority of whom are gold medalists. He highlighted that women constitute approximately 70 percent of the scientific workforce, with professionals from other provinces also contributing to PAFDA’s operations.

He stated that PAFDA is mandated to ensure quality standards for food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, with testing capabilities that include nutrient profiling, microbiological safety assessments, and ingredient verification.

Dr. Pasha further noted that the establishment of PAFDA would significantly reduce dependence on foreign laboratories for quality certification and contribute to restoring international confidence in products manufactured in Pakistan.

He added that a high-tech drug testing laboratory has been developed with technical collaboration from England and Türkiye. Currently, 42 advanced analytical machines valued at Rs4.4 billion have been installed, while an additional 565 machines are planned to be added in the near future.

Discussion on nutrition and NCDs initiatives for public health improvement.

Exchange on milk quality, safety practices and regulatory compliance requirements.

Discussions on regulatory functions and collaboration for livestock product safety.

Official visit to analytical and testing facilities highlighting international cooperation.

Toured advanced food and pharmaceutical laboratories showcasing PAFDA's testing capabilities.

Review of institutional preparedness and ongoing operational developments at PAFDA headquarters.

Knowledge exchange and collaboration for enhanced lab infrastructure and capabilities.