Director General PAFDA, Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, visited the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing nutrition research and public health. Established through a Pakistan–Korea partnership, the Center is contributing significantly to improving nutritional outcomes through modern research, laboratory facilities, and capacity-building initiatives.

During the visit, engagements were held across laboratories and training centers to review ongoing work and identify areas of mutual interest. Discussions focused on strengthening nutrition advocacy, enhancing indigenous quality development, and promoting evidence-based approaches to improve nutrition standards in Pakistan.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) hosted a high-level engagement with key representatives from the aquaculture and agriculture sectors, including Chaudhry Salahuddin, Chairman Aqua Association of Pakistan; Mian Khalid Khokhar, President Kissan Ittehad; Dr. Ijaz, Regional Manager Alltech; and Dr. Shahzad Naveed Jadoon, Managing Director Alltech. The meeting focused on strengthening linkages between scientific systems and industry practices to support the growing aquaculture sector in Punjab.

Discussions centered on critical areas such as fish safety, feed quality, and nutrition, with emphasis on improving standards at the source to ensure better outcomes across the supply chain. The engagement also highlighted the importance of science-driven quality systems in supporting farmers, enhancing productivity, and contributing to safer and more reliable food systems.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) and CABI have formalized their partnership through the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation (AoC), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration focused on innovation, food safety, and sustainable agricultural development. The agreement reflects a shared vision to strengthen scientific systems and promote evidence-based approaches across key sectors.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Babar E. Bajwa, Executive Director, CABI, and Dr. Sabyan Faris Honey, Regional Director, CABI Central and West Asia, who represented the organization at this significant occasion. The partnership aims to enhance scientific cooperation, support knowledge exchange, and drive impactful solutions to address evolving challenges in agriculture, food safety, and public health.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) hosted a distinguished scientific lecture by Professor Dr. Muhammad Saeed Iqbal from Forman Christian College University, Lahore, on the topic “Principles and Applications (Pharmaceutical, Environmental and Industrial) of Ion Chromatography.” The session was held at the PAFDA Auditorium and was attended by scientists and technical staff.

The lecture provided in-depth insights into the fundamental principles of ion chromatography and its applications in pharmaceutical analysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial testing. The session served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, enhancing the technical understanding of participants and reinforcing the importance of advanced analytical techniques in PAFDA’s scientific and regulatory work.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed Dr. Muhammad Athar, CEO Nutrazone and a leading professional in precise feed additives, for a visit to its laboratory facilities. The engagement focused on the critical role of scientific testing in ensuring the quality, safety, and nutritional value of animal feed, which directly impacts livestock health and the overall food supply chain in Punjab.

During the visit, Dr. Athar was given a comprehensive overview of PAFDA’s testing systems and analytical processes, including methods used to evaluate feed composition, detect contaminants, and ensure compliance with quality standards. Discussions also explored potential collaboration in advancing feed quality through science-based systems, supporting innovation in feed additives, and strengthening industry practices to enhance productivity and ensure safer food outcomes.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed a delegation from the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, including Dr. Wasim Abbas (Principal Scientist), Mr. Tayyeb Yaseen (Senior Scientist), and Dr. Waqar Rauf (Principal Scientist & Group Leader, Health Biotechnology Division). The visit was aimed at fostering scientific engagement and exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

During the visit, the delegation was hosted by Dr. Mazhar Iqbal, Member Pharma, PAFDA, who led a comprehensive tour of the Authority’s advanced laboratory facilities and provided insights into key testing and analytical systems. The interaction facilitated knowledge exchange and highlighted the potential for strengthening linkages in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and applied scientific development.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed a delegation from the University of Central Punjab (UCP) for an institutional visit aimed at strengthening academic collaboration. The delegation was provided an overview of PAFDA’s mandate and its role in advancing science-based regulatory systems across multiple sectors.

During the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s state-of-the-art laboratories and observed key testing and analytical processes. Discussions were held on potential areas of collaboration, including research, innovation, and capacity building, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening scientific capabilities.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) hosted a delegation from the Directorate of Drugs Control Punjab, led by Director General (Drugs) Muhammad Sohail.

The delegation, comprising senior representatives from Drug Testing Laboratories (DTL) Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi, along with officials from the Directorate, was given a comprehensive briefing on PAFDA’s advanced laboratory capabilities and analytical systems.

During the visit, discussions focused on the role of modern testing infrastructure in strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

The engagement underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in enhancing regulatory effectiveness and supporting the growth and credibility of the pharmaceutical sector in Punjab.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) welcomed a distinguished delegation from the University of Management and Technology (UMT), including Mr. Ahmad Abdullah, Director General UMT; Prof. Dr. Sammia Shahid, Vice Provost Research; and Prof. Dr. Ch. Jamil Anwar, Distinguished Professor.

During the visit, the delegation toured PAFDA’s state-of-the-art laboratories, gaining insight into the Authority’s advanced testing capabilities and scientific infrastructure.

The visit also featured productive discussions focused on fostering collaboration in research, scientific innovation, and capacity building. Both sides expressed a shared interest in strengthening academic–regulatory linkages to support evidence-based practices and technological advancement.

This engagement reflects PAFDA’s continued commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions to promote excellence in science, enhance research capabilities, and contribute to national development.

The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Forman Christian College (FCCU), Lahore, to enhance collaboration in scientific research, analytical testing, and laboratory capacity building.

The MoU was signed by Director General PAFDA, Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, and Vice-Rector FCCU, Dr. Douglas E. Trimble, in the presence of senior faculty members, scientists, and representatives from both institutions.

Under this partnership, PAFDA and FCCU will collaborate on key areas including pesticide residue testing in water, development and validation of advanced analytical methods, and support for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation systems. The agreement also includes joint training programmes and research initiatives in pharmaceutical stability and shelf-life estimation.

The collaboration further envisions the exchange of expertise, development of scientific data systems, and advancement in areas such as environmental monitoring and geo-chemical mapping. Capacity building through training of students, researchers, and laboratory professionals will remain a central focus.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regulatory systems, advancing scientific innovation, and contributing to public health, food safety, and sustainable development in Pakistan.