NAFSA holds introductory session

ISLAMABAD: The newly established National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) held an introductory session with stakeholders from Pakistan’s pesticides and agrochemicals sector here on Saturday. The consultation brought together the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, the Board of Governors of NAFSA, the Pakistan Crop Protection Association (PCPA), CropLife, pesticide manufacturers and importers, laboratory and academic representatives, and development partners. The new legal framework under the NAFSA Act, 2026, is poised to replace the currently in-place regulatory framework of the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971, and the Agricultural Pesticides Rules, 1973. The new framework introduces a modern, transparent, and digitally enabled regime covering registration of pesticides, import and export, manufacture and formulation, dealer licensing, packing and labelling, storage and safety, laboratory testing, inspections, and complaint resolution. Key features highlighted during the engagement session include: governance structure and operating model of NAFSA; science-based risk assessment and standards setting; modernisation of the regulatory regime with international benchmarking; use of technology to enhance compliance, trade facilitation and traceability; market access for Pakistani exports; defined service-delivery timelines for registration and renewal decisions; a structured complaint resolution and appeals mechanism; and a transition plan to completely replace the Department of Plant Protection by 31st October, 2026. The session set out NAFSA’s strategic direction for the sector: a shift from gatekeeper to enabler, through predictable, time-bound and fully digital registration; from input control to food safety, with pesticide regulation linked to maximum residue limits (MRLs), residue monitoring and farm-to-port traceability that supports market access for Pakistan’s agri-exports; and from import-substitution to an export orientation — including export-only registration, facilitation of export-oriented formulation, and positioning Pakistan as a regional formulation and re-export hub for agrochemicals and pesticides. The Chairman, Board of Governors, NAFSA, Ahmed Umair, in his address stated: “The establishment of NAFSA marks an important step towards strengthening Pakistan’s food safety and agricultural trade systems. A modern, transparent and science-based regulatory framework for agrochemicals and pesticides will not only protect farmers and consumers but also help Pakistan meet international standards, strengthen market access and expand its agricultural exports. The transition to NAFSA reflects the Government’s commitment to building a more efficient and responsive regulatory system that supports both food safety and trade. ” Director General NAFSA Muhammad Imran Khan Mohmand said: “NAFSA is committed to building a regulatory system that is transparent, predictable and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. Our focus is to simplify processes through digitalization, introduce clear service timelines, strengthen risk-based regulation and ensure effective traceability across the supply chain. We look forward to working closely with industry, academia and other stakeholders to make this transition smooth and to establish a regulatory framework that supports food safety, innovation and Pakistan’s export ambitions. ” Stakeholders, including PCPA and CropLife, presented their views on the Framework, covering registration procedures, trial data requirements, technical grade registrations, export-only registration, pre- and post-shipment inspection, labelling and advertisement. NAFSA assured its commitment to transparent, participatory regulation as Pakistan’s national agri-trade and food safety regulator. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Read full story on Business Recorder