Illegal import from India: DPP director sacked, another issued show-cause notice

ISLAMABAD: The outgoing federal secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has taken strict disciplinary action against the officials of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) in relation to the illegal and unregulated import scandal.

The orders issued by Federal Secretary Waseem Ajmal, copies of which are available with The News, detail the dismissal of Director (Technical) Dr. Allah Ditta Abid and show-cause notice issued to former Director Muhammad Sohail Shahzad on charges of misconduct and violations of civil service regulations.

The officials are accused of issuing unauthorized phytosanitary measures and waivers without proper scientific approval, besides failing to attend office during their suspension period and engaging in activities that compromise official standards.

The News recently broke the scandal of unlawful import of Methyl Bromide (MB) — a highly regulated fumigant — from India under DPP’s watch, in direct violation of Pakistan’s Import Policy and multiple national security statutes.

“By initiating disciplinary proceedings, I tried my best to root out corruption and ensure officials strictly adhere to the established rules and procedures,” said the secretary.

A show-cause notice was issued in July 2025 to Muhammad Sohail Shahzad, who was previously serving as the Director (Technical) at the Department of Plant Protection in Karachi.

An earlier notice dated December 2024 pertains to the suspension and disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Allah Ditta Abid, DPP’s Director (Technical). The order mentions that Dr. Abid was suspended following inquiry reports related to anti-corruption FIRs, and a chargesheet was served to him. Upon completion of the inquiry, Waseem Ajmal imposed the major penalty of compulsory retirement on Allah Ditta under Rule-4(3) of Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules 2020.