Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFFDA) and its laboratory operations, marking a major step in ensuring food, agricultural, and drug quality in the province.
The ceremony was attended by diplomats from 20 countries, whom the Prime Minister and Chief Minister formally welcomed. During the visit, the leaders toured various departments of PAFFDA, inspecting advanced equipment in the agriculture, food testing, and drug testing laboratories.
Briefing officials said the authority employs 232 scientists, most of whom are gold medalists, with women making up 70 percent of the scientific staff. Experts from other provinces also contribute to the work at the labs.
PAFFDA’s establishment will enable Pakistan to determine product quality locally, reducing reliance on foreign laboratories. The authority has already acquired 42 high-tech machines worth Rs4.4 billion, with an additional 565 machines expected soon.
To strengthen public safety, satellite crime scene units are being established across 38 districts, and PAFFDA will also oversee standards for cosmetics, ensuring comprehensive quality monitoring throughout Punjab.
