- Premier Shehbaz praises CM Maryam Nawaz for transforming long-idle building into AI-enabled lab
- Commends scientists, experts, and professionals for tireless work on unique project
- Says PAFDA to ensure food quality, public health and nationwide certification services, with testing rice, milk, betel nuts, water and more
- Recalls past neglect, highlights governance reforms and anti-adulteration efforts
LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday lauded the tireless efforts of scientists, experts, and professionals who brought the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) to completion, describing it as a unique and landmark project in Pakistan.
He congratulated the Punjab government on the inauguration of the institution, calling it a major step toward ensuring food security and hygienic standards nationwide.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for transforming a long-neglected and incomplete building into a modern, IT-driven, and AI-enabled laboratory. “Full marks to Maryam Nawaz Sharif for converting an idling building into a great institution,” he remarked, calling the project a symbol of progress and good governance.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally inaugurated the Punjab Agriculture, Food & Drug Authority (PAFDA).
Launch of PAFDA and its laboratory operations.Also laid the foundation stone of the Women Scientists’ Hostel… pic.twitter.com/qDtgovru2Y
— PMLN (@pmln_org) January 31, 2026
He highlighted the vital role PAFDA will play in food safety, quality control, and public health, describing it as a pressing need of the hour. Recalling the establishment of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in 2009, the Prime Minister noted how the absence of credible forensic systems once allowed criminals to evade justice. He paid rich tribute to late Dr Ashraf Tahir, who left a successful career in the United States to serve Pakistan, and acknowledged former provincial officer Naseem Sadiq and other officials for their contributions to setting up the forensic laboratory.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the project, which had remained idle for years, now stands as a symbol of progress and good governance. Full marks to Maryam Nawaz Sharif for converting an idling building into a great institution,” Prime Minister remarked. He also… pic.twitter.com/nnY9zE9X1e
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 31, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed regret that the PAFDA building had remained incomplete for five to six years due to political neglect, despite billions of rupees having been spent. “During my incarceration nearby, seeing the abandoned structure was heart-wrenching,” he said, praising the current Punjab leadership for reviving the project and converting it into a state-of-the-art facility.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Punjab cabinet, chief secretary, police leadership, and all officials involved in the project.
“PAFDA will not only serve Punjab but will also benefit all provinces by providing reliable testing and certification services for food… pic.twitter.com/mhZDRoOSO7
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 31, 2026
On governance reforms, he cited examples of action taken against corruption in export-related institutions, including reforms in departments overseeing rice exports and quality certification. He emphasized that strong, transparent institutions are essential for national credibility and international trade.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing the Launching Ceremony of PAFDA Laboratories. pic.twitter.com/KD22jS72BB
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 31, 2026
He added that PAFDA will serve not only Punjab but all provinces, providing reliable testing and certification services for food items such as rice, betel nuts, milk, and water. The Prime Minister congratulated the Punjab cabinet, chief secretary, police leadership, and all officials involved in the project, expressing hope that PAFDA will help eliminate adulteration and set new national standards for food and drug regulation.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif launching Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority Laboratories. pic.twitter.com/O7yPd2ODjc
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 31, 2026
Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presented a souvenir to the Prime Minister and addressed the gathering. The ceremony was also attended by federal and provincial ministers, businessmen, and diplomats, highlighting the project’s significance at both the national and international levels.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif visiting PAFDA Laboratory and receiving a briefing about the operations. pic.twitter.com/4DcyLQGlnY
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 31, 2026
