During a Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security meeting chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Hassan, Senator Aimal Wali Khan raised alarming allegations about the state of food regulations. The discussion focused on the challenges facing Pakistan’s basmati rice exports to the European Union (EU).
Senator Aimal, representing the Awami National Party (ANP), claimed that markets were selling plastic rice and meat from donkeys, dogs, and frogs, highlighting the lack of effective food quality checks. He also noted a report stating that only 22% of the milk in the market was genuine, with the rest being chemically synthesized and counterfeit. A sub-committee was established to draft a comprehensive food safety policy.
The Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS&R) officials reported that the EU had raised objections to 107 rice consignments out of 10,300 shipped by 2024. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has filed 17 FIRs related to mismanagement in rice exports, with several suspects detained or absconding.
Senator Aimal criticized the food security officials for failing to prevent the rejection of consignments, questioning the occurrence of fungus on cleared shipments. Senator Dinesh Kumar and the Secretary of National Food Security also expressed concerns over the lack of a comprehensive food safety policy.
In another discussion, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain addressed the issue of unpaid cotton cess, totalling Rs3.2 billion since 2016. He mentioned that the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) cited a lack of funds for the non-payment, with a recovery policy pending after consultation with the prime minister.
Officials highlighted that committee pressure had increased monthly cess collections to Rs30 million but advocated for making non-payment a non-bailable offence.
APTMA representatives have been summoned to the next meeting to address these issues.
