Karachi: Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui called upon provincial government to harmonise rules related to food businesses. In separate letters addressed to each chief ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan, Dr. Siddiqui highlighted need for uniformity to ensure food safety and quality nationwide.

He said existing disparities in regulations and enforcement mechanisms among provinces and federal agencies have resulted in inconsistencies, inefficiencies and potential gaps in ensuring safety and quality of food products available to consumers nationwide and for import and export purposes.

He emphasised role of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority as national standards body and advocated for streamlining standards to prevent duplication of efforts between PSQCA and provincial authorities. He said PSQCA is sole national standards body to establish standards for all food and non-food products, services and processes.

“After 18th amendment, provinces started establishing their own standards which are against international best practices”, letter said. He noted that manufacturers were suffering because of duplication of these activities by PSQCA and provincial food authorities.

Minister said Council of Common Interest has decided to standardise regulations and designate PSQCA as primary authority for standards, certification and labeling.

He said Special Investment Facilitation Council has decided to ease doing business, duplication should be removed by harmonizing rules and regulation between PSQCA and provincial authorities.

This move aims to enhance efficiency, eliminate inconsistencies and facilitate conducive environment for businesses in food sector, he added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 21 2024

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