Effective food, drug and agriculture inputs regime is paramount to ensure a healthy and prosper society. Provision of quality medicine, food and agriculture inputs is therefore fundamental in fight against different diseases. Unfortunately, the standard of Testing / Analysis has remained dismal in Punjab. Resultantly, forensic testing in respect of field mentioned above largely remain unaddressed. In order to address the issues mainly quality of food, drug and agriculture inputs, the establishment of world class facility with highest standards of professionalism and integrity, at par with any advanced country in the world is a dire need. Govt. of the Punjab is committed to improve the health status of the people and is responsible for the performance of Health & Food Sectors in the Province in order to improve service and quality of life. The establishment of “Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Testing Labs” under Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) is an important step to assist the society at large to impart a change in the outlook of people to uncompromising quality consciousness.

Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha

Low quality food, drugs and agriculture inputs pose severe health threats and economic losses to whole community. A safe and nutritionally adequate diet and high quality of medicine is a basic individual right and an essential condition for sustainable development, especially in developing countries. The growth in our knowledge of food, drug and agriculture inputs along with analytical techniques have facilitated accurate reporting of composition and their effect on health quality of the public. Therefore, establishment of effective and integrated testing laboratory throughout the province is critical for ensuring safety and quality of public life. Food, Drug and agriculture testing is required to evaluate the products for their nutritive and safety values in terms of Impurities, microbiology, mycotoxins, pesticide and other chemical residues, toxic metals, additives and packaging materials, in addition to their proximate, biochemical, biophysical and engineering analysis. The main objective of Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) is to perform regulatory duties related to drugs, food, fertilizers and pesticides analysis for the Punjab Government as central reference laboratory equipped with sophisticated equipment. PAFDA will provide high standards of quality, accredited assurance and performance in testing of drugs, food and agriculture products (fertilizers and pesticides). Most significant role of PAFDA is to arrange training to the Scientists according to international standards which may in turn improve the quality of public life.

Mr. Mehtab Waseem Azhar

As the Project Director of Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA), I emphasise the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and quality of public life in our province. It is evident that low-quality food, drugs, and agriculture inputs pose severe health threats and economic losses to our entire community. Recognising a safe and nutritionally adequate diet, along with access to highquality medicine, as fundamental individual rights, we must uphold these principles for sustainable development, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, the establishment of effective and integrated testing laboratories is of utmost importance. By conducting comprehensive food, drug, and agriculture testing, we can evaluate products for their nutritive and safety values, including assessing impurities, microbiology, mycotoxins, pesticide and chemical residues, toxic metals, additives, and packaging materials, in addition to proximate, biochemical, biophysical, and engineering analyses. As the central reference laboratory equipped with sophisticated equipment, PAFDA's primary objective would be to perform regulatory duties related to drugs, food, fertilisers, and pesticides analysis for the Punjab Government. Through maintaining high standards of quality, accredited assurance, and performance in testing, PAFDA will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and quality of drugs, food, and agriculture products (fertilisers and pesticides).Moreover, it aims at enhancing the expertise and competence of our scientific community, thereby further improving the overall quality of public life. Our commitment as the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority is resolute in safeguarding the health and well-being of our citizens through robust testing practices and adherence to global standards, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of our province.