PAFDA to be a Custodian for Public Health and Safety

In a fast changing and challenging environment, it is important for the government to protect its citizens from hazardous products in the market. The establishment of the Punjab Agriculture, Food & Drug Authority (PAFDA) is an important step towards provision of high quality medicines, unadulterated food and the best agricultural medicines, pesticides and fertilizers for the people of the Punjab. This authority will be responsible for safeguarding public health by certifying the safety, effectiveness and value of human and agricultural drugs and other related products, and for guaranteeing the quality of food products.

Infrastructure Development Authority of the Punjab (IDAP), which delivers modern infrastructure projects that meet public needs in the Punjab province, will be constructing three laboratories specializing in agriculture, food and drugs for PAFDA. This new complex will be built on 64 kanals of land near Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore. The PAFDA complex is being established for forensic examination and testing of fertilizers, pesticides, food and drugs, and to ensure ingredients of the highest standards are used.

Facilities at the PAFDA Complex will include a pharmaceutical testing lab; a pesticide and fertilizer lab; a food testing lab; a sample storage area for pharmaceuticals, fertilizers and food; and an auditorium and cafeteria for the staff. The laboratories will also collect samples for forensic examination where special expertise or controlled methods for collection and preservation of samples is required. The excavation for this project has been completed by IDAP and construction works for the basement have started.

PAFDA will ensure effective standards for food, drugs and agricultural chemicals and will help curb the supply of substandard and adulterated food, medicines and agricultural sprays and fertilizers. Being a custodian for public health and safety, PAFDA’s mission is to ensure that the people of the province have access to safe and high quality products.