In a major push for transparency, the federal government has initiated sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling Pakistan's food and agricultural governance. Announced by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Sunday, the reforms focus on creating a more digital, accountable, and rules-based system to combat corruption and enhance regulatory controls.
Digital Drive Cuts Human Intervention
The core of the initiative is a widespread digitalization effort. Out of 31 different registrations, licenses, certificates, and permits managed by the ministry, 22 have now been fully automated. This automation spans six attached departments that handle critical areas including plants, animals, and seeds. The move has drastically reduced direct human involvement in the approval processes.
Officials state that this reduction in manual handling has led to significant improvements. The new system enhances traceability of transactions and decisions while minimizing loopholes that were previously exploited within the system. This creates a more verifiable and transparent environment for businesses and stakeholders.
Minister Emphasizes Rules-Based System
National Food Security Minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain, outlined the foundational pillars of this reform agenda. He stressed the critical need for a system governed by clear rules rather than personal discretion. Verifiable decision-making and stronger coordination between different government agencies were also highlighted as essential components for the success of these changes.
The overarching goal is to build public trust by making the governance of the vital food and agriculture sector more open and accountable to the people.
Modernization of Plant Protection and Labs
As a concrete part of this broad overhaul, specific departments have received targeted upgrades. The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) has undergone a comprehensive modernization. This includes enhancing laboratory testing capacities and tightening operational controls.
Furthermore, the department's systems have been aligned with international phytosanitary standards. This alignment is crucial for strengthening Pakistan's biosecurity—protecting local crops from pests and diseases—and, just as importantly, for safeguarding the credibility of the country's agricultural exports in global markets.
The reforms signal a determined shift towards leveraging technology to ensure food security, promote fair trade, and restore integrity in one of Pakistan's most important economic sectors.
