Pakistan federal health authorities plan to create a Pakistan Food and Drug Authority (FDA), a centralized regulatory organization inspired by global standards.
The initiative will replace the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and oversee food, pesticide, and cosmetics regulations to enhance public health and boost exports.
A meeting chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, brought together senior officials, including DRAP CEO Asim Rauf, and other stakeholders. Dr. Bharath emphasized the urgent need for a unified FDA to address the challenges posed by fragmented regulations.
Currently, food regulation is managed by provincial governments with inconsistent standards, while pesticides fall under the Ministry of Food. This division has created regulatory gaps, allowing harmful chemicals to enter the food chain and cause chronic health issues.
Goals of the Pakistan FDA
The new authority will centralize food, pesticide, and cosmetics oversight, ensuring compliance with global quality and safety standards. Key objectives include:
- Protecting Public Health: Address risks posed by unchecked chemicals in consumables and cosmetics.
- Boosting Exports: Facilitate exports by meeting stringent international market requirements.
- Improving Local Standards: Enhance the quality of domestic food and agricultural products to align with global benchmarks.
“This step aligns with the prime minister’s vision to increase exports while ensuring the safety and quality of domestically consumed products,” Dr. Bharath stated.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with DRAP, the Ministry of Food, provincial governments, and other stakeholders, is finalising recommendations for the Pakistan FDA. In the coming weeks, the Prime Minister will approve them.
The health ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the authority’s successful establishment.
