Sindh seeks greater role in proposed National Food Safety Authority

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called for greater provincial representation in the proposed National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority, emphasizing the importance of involving provincial departments in shaping the authority’s structure and operations.

During a meeting with Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research (NFSR) and Industries & Production Rana Tanveer here at the New Sindh Secretariat, Shah suggested consultations with agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and provincial food authorities to ensure the proposed authority adequately addressed provincial concerns.

The federal minister explained that the authority aims to regulate inspection and quarantine controls for the import and export of animals, plants, agricultural products, food, and feed. It will also certify consignments to comply with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, a critical requirement for international trade.

Coordination with provincial governments on implementing SPS measures related to agricultural production and food marketing is a cornerstone of the authority’s mandate.

Chief Minister Shah stressed that provincial governments must have a substantial role in implementing these measures, ensuring the authority’s decisions reflect on-the-ground realities and regional priorities. He said, “Broad consultations are crucial to creating an effective and inclusive framework for food safety and compliance.”

The National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority is envisioned as a central body responsible for safeguarding food standards, animal health, and plant safety in Pakistan. Its primary objective is to align the country’s food and agricultural standards with global practices, enhancing export potential and meeting international trade requirements.

The authority’s responsibilities will include certification of food and agricultural exports, implementation of quarantine measures, and compliance with SPS protocols. By establishing this authority, Pakistan aims to address gaps in food safety and enhance its competitiveness in global markets.

In addition to discussing the food safety authority, the meeting focused on creating an industrial park on 3,200 acres of land belonging to Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). Chief Minister Shah pointed out that this land is already registered under Pakistan Steel Mills Limited (PSML) and expressed his willingness to resolve title transfer issues related to 1,675 acres allotted to the steel project in the 1970s.

Federal Minister Rana Tanveer assured the CM that the Federal Ministry of Industries and Production would formally request the provincial government to change the land’s designation to “industrial use”.

The CM also stressed the importance of preserving approximately 700 acres of land for the steel mill’s revival or the establishment of a new plant.

The federal minister informed Shah that a Russian team had recently inspected the existing steel mill and would submit a proposal for its revitalization by February. Shah emphasized Sindh’s involvement in the steel mill’s future plans and received assurances of support from the federal minister.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to improve coordination on major projects, including the industrial park and steel mill, to ensure timely implementation. Federal authorities also committed to seeking input from Sindh’s Agriculture and Livestock Departments regarding the proposed food safety authority.