In a significant boost to Pakistan's halal certification infrastructure, a key laboratory at the University of Karachi has received official recognition from the national regulatory body.
PHA Grants Official Recognition to University Lab
The Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA), operating under the Government of Pakistan, has formally awarded the Halal Testing Laboratory Recognition Certificate to the Industrial Analytical Center (IAC). The IAC is part of the prestigious International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) located at the University of Karachi. This authorization empowers the laboratory to conduct tests on various articles to determine if products comply with internationally recognized halal standards.
Legal Framework and Meeting of Minds
The certification was granted under the legal powers provided by Section 34 of the PHA Act of 2016, in conjunction with Section 11 of the Pakistan Halal Authority (Business) Rules from 2021. These sections specifically deal with the official recognition of testing laboratories across the country.
The achievement was formally acknowledged during a meeting held at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, who serves as the Director of the ICCBS. He took the opportunity to extend his congratulations to the entire team at the Industrial Analytical Center for this notable accomplishment.
Implications for Pakistan's Halal Industry
This recognition marks a pivotal step in strengthening Pakistan's domestic capacity for halal verification. By authorizing a reputable academic and research institution like the ICCBS, the PHA is leveraging advanced scientific expertise for the halal certification process. It enhances the credibility and reach of Pakistan's halal certification for both local and international markets, potentially boosting trade in halal products.
The development signifies a closer collaboration between government regulators and premier academic centers, aiming to set high standards for halal compliance within the country.
