Lahore – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on January 31, 2026, formally launched the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA). This marks the opening of what officials call South Asia’s most advanced facility for testing agriculture products, food items, and drugs under one roof.
The ceremony took place in Lahore, where the leaders inaugurated the authority’s operations. They also laid the foundation stone for a new hostel meant for female scientists working at the facility. Diplomats from about 20 countries attended the event.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the authority as a key step forward. He said it addresses the urgent need for clear and reliable checks on food, farm goods, and medicines. The prime minister noted that the setup will help fight adulteration and support better food security and nutrition across Pakistan.
He gave credit to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for turning an unfinished building into a modern lab using information technology and AI tools. Sharif added that the authority will serve not only Punjab but the whole country by offering trusted testing and certification for items like rice, milk, water, and more. He said it could grow into a regional center for high standards in quality control.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz spoke about long-standing issues in the sector. She pointed out that Pakistan, as a major farming nation, has lacked advanced testing labs for too long. This gap has hurt exporters who face rejections abroad and local consumers who deal with unsafe products.
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She called the PAFDA a dream come true, first planned during Shehbaz Sharif’s earlier time as Punjab chief minister. The new setup will test food, drugs, cosmetics, fertilizers, pesticides, soil, and other items to meet global benchmarks.
