Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday inaugurated the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority in Lahore, calling it a major step toward eliminating adulteration and improving food safety standards in the country.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, along with federal and provincial ministers, accompanied the prime minister at the inauguration ceremony.

Addressing the event, PM Shehbaz said the state-of-the-art institution, equipped with modern technology, would play a crucial role in ensuring food security and maintaining hygienic standards.

He termed the initiative “the need of the hour” and described it as a unique step in Pakistan’s public health and regulatory framework.

The prime minister praised CM Maryam for spearheading the project, saying the authority’s laboratories would be instrumental in testing the quality of a wide range of products.

He said there could be no greater public service than an initiative that would benefit not only Punjab but the entire country.

In her remarks, CM Maryam said the authority is currently operating 142 machines, with 565 more to be added soon. She said its operations now extend to 38 districts across Punjab.

The chief minister said the laboratory tests a broad range of items, including fertilisers, pesticides, food products, cosmetics, medicines, and animal feed.

She added that 232 scientists are currently working at the institution to support its regulatory and testing functions.