Pakistan to launch centralised FDA to boost public health, exports

ISLAMABAD: The federal government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is advancing plans to establish a centralised regulatory body, the Pakistan Food and Drug Authority (FDA). This centralized authority will oversee the regulation of food, pesticides, and cosmetics, marking a significant overhaul of the existing fragmented system.
The Pakistan FDA will replace the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), consolidating regulatory functions to enhance public health, bridge regulatory gaps, and stimulate economic growth, particularly through improved exports. The move is aimed at unifying standards, addressing health hazards, and aligning Pakistani products with international safety and quality benchmarks.
During a recent high-level review meeting chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, the Prime Minister's Coordinator for Health, senior officials from DRAP, the Ministry of Food, and provincial governments discussed the importance of a centralised FDA. Dr. Bharath emphasized that the current regulatory framework, divided between provincial authorities and the Ministry of Food, has created inconsistencies, allowing harmful chemicals to infiltrate the food supply and cosmetic products.
“This fragmented system not only jeopardizes public health but also hinders Pakistan’s ability to compete in global markets. A unified regulatory body will address these gaps, ensuring safety and quality across sectors,” Dr. Bharath noted.
Currently, food regulation is handled by provincial governments with inconsistent standards, while pesticides fall under the purview of the Ministry of Food. The proposed Pakistan FDA will take charge of all these domains, ensuring compliance with international standards and minimizing public health risks.
One of the authority’s key objectives is to streamline export certification processes. A centralized system will provide credible certifications required by international markets, unlocking new opportunities for Pakistani products globally. This strategic reform is expected to significantly boost Pakistan’s exports by making its products more competitive and trusted abroad.
The creation of the Pakistan FDA is not only a health-focused initiative but also an economic strategy. By addressing unregulated chemicals in food and cosmetics and ensuring products meet international standards, the government aims to enhance consumer safety domestically while driving export growth.
The unified authority is also expected to encourage foreign investment, as a centralized regulatory framework will simplify compliance and enhance transparency for businesses operating in Pakistan.