PM inaugurates Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz have inaugurated Punjab Agriculture and Drug Authority in Lahore, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

After the inauguration on Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz inspected various sections of the authority, along with federal and provincial ministers.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said establishment of the authority is an important step to ensure food security and hygiene standards. The Prime Minister highlighted that this state-of-the-art institution, equipped with modern technology, will play a crucial role in eliminating adulteration.

He said Maryam Nawaz's role in establishing Pakistan's first Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority is commendable. 

Prime Minister said the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority project is a great service to the nation. 

Establishment of a regulatory body for transparent monitoring of food, agricultural products and medicines is the need of the hour, Prime Minister said.

He said Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority will become a 'Center of Excellence' in the region. 

The Prime Minister congratulated the Chief Minister of Punjab on the steps taken in the province.

The Food and Drug Authority was established not only to serve Punjab but the entire country, Prime Minister said. Using modern technology to ensure transparency is our resolve, Shehbaz Sharif said.

He said a network of forensic labs has been established to provide irrefutable evidence against crimes.

He emphasized that this unique initiative in the country will significantly contribute to ensuring food security and maintaining hygienic standards, noting this was need of the hour.

He said there could be no greater public service than this initiative, which will provide services not only to Punjab but the entire country.

Addressing the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is on the path of progress and prosperity and public service is our motto. 

Maryam Nawaz said establishment of Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority is a clear proof of public service.

Drone technology is being used to eradicate crime, CM Maryam said and added her government has launched e-business registration and special steps have been taken for ease of businesses.

Maryam Nawaz said a hostel was built for women scientists at a cost of Rs2.3 billion.

Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab Agriculture, Food, and Drug Authority currently operates 142 machines and 565 more machines will be added soon.

She said the authority now covers 38 districts.  She said a wide variety of items including fertilizers, pesticides, food, cosmetics, medicines and animal feed are tested at the lab.  She said 232 scientists are working in the institution.

South Asia’s first and most advanced Punjab Science Enclave. Bringing high-tech laboratories for agriculture testing, drug testing, and food testing together under one roof. pic.twitter.com/uI7dU7oWeC

— PMLN (@pmln_org) January 31, 2026