Drap will be replaced by the Food and Drug Administration of Pakistan

• FDA to be a unified regulatory body inspired by global models.
• Second review meeting for establishment of authority held in Drap.
• Dr. Bharath emphasizes the urgent need for a centralized FDA.

Islamabad: Federal health authorities are moving ahead with efforts to establish a Pakistan Food and Drug Authority (FDA), a unified regulatory entity inspired by global models, The News officials were quoted as saying on Friday.

This new authority is to replace the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and will be responsible for overseeing the regulation of food, pesticides and cosmetics. Its establishment aims to strengthen public health and promote export development, while aligning with international standards.

A second review meeting on the establishment of the authority was held at Drap, chaired by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, Dr Mukhtar Bharath. The discussion was attended by senior officials including DRAP CEO Asim Rauf and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, Dr. Bharath emphasized the urgent need for a centralized FDA to unify standards and address the challenges created by fragmented regulations.

Currently, food regulations are managed by provincial governments with different standards, while pesticides are under the Ministry of Food. This division has led to regulatory loopholes, allowing harmful chemicals in pesticides to enter the food chain and cause chronic health problems.

The new authority will unify oversight of food, pesticides and cosmetics to ensure they meet global quality and safety standards. This initiative is vital to protect public health and address the risks posed by unregulated chemicals in consumables and cosmetics.

Dr Bharath informed the participants that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with DRAP, Ministry of Food, Provincial Governments and other stakeholders, is finalizing the recommendations for the proposed authority. A formal concept note outlining the framework and objectives of the Pakistan FDA will be presented to the prime minister in the coming weeks for approval.

A key objective of the Pakistan FDA is to facilitate exports by ensuring that products meet the stringent requirements of the international market. “Many countries require central certification from a trusted regulatory body. This central authority will enhance Pakistan’s export potential for food and allied products,” said Dr. Bharath.

He further highlighted the authority’s role in improving the quality of local food, agricultural produce and consumer goods to meet international benchmarks.

“This step is in line with the prime minister’s vision of increasing exports while ensuring the safety and quality of domestic consumption products,” he said.

The initiative aims to unify regulatory controls that are currently spread across multiple agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to quality and safety standards. By regulating pesticides as chemicals with potential health risks rather than solely as agricultural products, the authority will address significant gaps in the existing system.

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to work with all stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment of the Pakistan FDA. This initiative is expected to have far-reaching effects on public health and the economic development of the country.