ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately appoint a qualified technical professional as the Director General of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), warning that the continued vacancy is severely affecting the country’s agricultural exports.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Monday, PFVA Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed expressed serious concern over the Ministry of National Food Security and Research’s (MNFSR) continued defiance of court orders and Senate directives to fill the post in accordance with law.
According to the PFVA, the Sindh High Court (SHC) in its recent order directed the government to appoint the DPP chief strictly as per the Civil Servant (Appointment, Promotion & Transfer) Rules, 1973, designating the senior-most Director Technical as the rightful choice for the position. The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, in its meeting on September 25, also echoed this stance, recommending the appointment of Dr. Muhammad Tariq Khan as Director General based on seniority and experience.
Despite these directives, the ministry has not acted upon the court and Senate recommendations, and the post of DG remains vacant for more than two weeks, the letter states. “This unnecessary delay is adversely affecting the export sector, which is already under immense pressure,” Waheed Ahmed wrote.
The PFVA noted that Dr. Tariq Khan, who previously served as Director General of the DPP, possesses the required qualifications and has demonstrated professionalism and dedication during his tenure. “He is highly devoted and competent, an entomologist with the requisite expertise under DPP regulations, and has represented Pakistan effectively before the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) of other countries,” the letter emphasized.
The PFVA further warned that the prolonged absence of a qualified DG could jeopardize compliance with international phytosanitary standards, risking export bans or restrictions from key markets such as the European Union, China, and Iran.
“The DPP plays a pivotal role as Pakistan’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Without a qualified and full-time technical head, export certification, pest surveillance, and sanitary and phytosanitary controls are at risk of disruption,” the letter cautioned.
Urging the Prime Minister to intervene personally, Waheed Ahmed said, “Each passing day, the export sector is suffering terribly. We hope your good self will resolve this pressing matter on top priority in the supreme national interest.”
The PFVA has also sent copies of the letter to Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Senate Committee Chairman Senator Masroor Ahsan, requesting their urgent attention to ensure compliance with the court’s directives and restore stability to the DPP’s operations.
