ISLAMABAD – The federal government has set up the National Agri‑Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) to streamline agricultural trade and food safety across Pakistan. The new body replaces the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and Animal Quarantine Department (AQD), centralizing their functions under one roof.
NAFSA will regulate key areas such as plant and animal health, lab accreditation, SPS certification, and inter-provincial agri commerce. It will be headquartered in Islamabad and governed by a board comprising federal and provincial officials, industry experts, and technical specialists.
Provinces Raise Autonomy Concerns
The move has sparked criticism from several provincial stakeholders who argue that agriculture is a provincial subject under the 18th Amendment. Legal experts and food exporters fear that the new authority could weaken provincial control and create bureaucratic hurdles.
Exporters Want Reform, Not Replacement
Growers and exporters say the DPP needed reform—not replacement. They also raised concerns about increased operational costs and reduced accountability, especially since NAFSA’s board enjoys legal immunity.
What’s Next
While the authority has started operations under a federal ordinance, calls are growing for:
- More transparency and stakeholder consultation
- Stronger provincial involvement
- Improvements in food safety without over-regulation
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.