Amid ongoing challenges in the export sector, particularly concerning rice, the government is reportedly planning to elevate the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to an authority. This comes amid problems in the department’s leadership, raising concerns among stakeholders about its capacity to address critical issues.Â
The Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) recently announced reforms, including the creation of a National Animal and Plant Protection Authority to oversee food quality and plant quarantine matters. However, legal experts cautioned that such reforms, without the approval of all provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, may face significant hurdles.
“Food safety measures and regulations fall under provincial jurisdiction post-18th Amendment. Establishing a federal authority without provincial consent is unconstitutional,” experts stated. They warned that such a move could trigger legal challenges, disrupt trade, and violate international agreements like the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Importing countries like India and the United States might raise objections at forums like the World Trade Organization (WTO), potentially imposing trade sanctions on Pakistan’s agricultural exports.
Critics noted that the idea of transforming DPP into an authority was previously rejected by former governments, including the administration of Mian Nawaz Sharif, after extensive deliberations. Instead, emphasis was placed on increasing inspectors and improving port infrastructure.
Despite the establishment of the National Biosecurity Technical Committee in August 2024, which includes provincial and stakeholder representation, the proposal for the new authority has resurfaced. Allegations suggest that a London-based clearing agent may be behind the renewed push to influence regulatory processes.
Existing challenges and recent crises:
The ineffective implementation of existing Plant Quarantine Rules has exacerbated the crisis. Regulatory gaps, such as inadequate inspections and testing of rice shipments for Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) and Aflatoxins, have left exporters vulnerable to international rejections. The Ministry of Commerce and MNFSR’s reluctance to enforce stringent measures has further compounded the issue.
The recent rice export crisis underscores systemic failures. Arrests of 17 DPP inspectors by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for alleged negligence failed to address the root causes. Exporters resumed shipments under the same system, highlighting the superficial nature of government actions.
The interim Director General, Waqas Alam, allowed exporters to self-certify their shipments, further eroding confidence in Pakistan’s export systems. Critics argue that this temporary concession undermines regulatory integrity and exposes exporters to future risks.
Senate committee’s response:Â
During a Senate Standing Committee meeting held here on Wednesday, the Secretary MNFSR admitted systemic flaws but focused blame on individual employees. Senators called for comprehensive reforms, stressing the need for a robust national food safety and plant quarantine policy.
Concerns about broader food safety issues were also raised. Senator Dinesh Kumar highlighted high arsenic levels in domestic rice, while Senator Aimal Wali Khan revealed alarming contamination levels in milk. Reports of substandard food products, including frog fritters and dog meat, underscored the dire state of food safety in the country.Â
 The committee announced the formation of a three-member subcommittee, chaired by Senator Shahzeb Khanzada, to draft a National Food Safety Policy. This framework aims to address food safety challenges comprehensively. However, the Secretary MNFSR faced criticism for resubmitting a previously rejected National Food Safety Act without consulting provinces or stakeholders.
Mango export progress:Â
Despite the challenges, Pakistan achieved significant growth in mango exports, shipping over 53,000 metric tons to Iran in 2024. Additionally, under previous leadership, rice exports reached a record $3.9 billion, and sesame seed exports crossed the $1 billion mark.
The Senate Committee emphasized the importance of systemic reforms over scapegoating employees to restore trust in Pakistan’s food exports and protect public health. Collaborative efforts among federal and provincial stakeholders were deemed essential to securing Pakistan’s position in international markets while safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
