UNICEF Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Representative Ms Sharmeela Rasool and Mr Abid Hasan, Country Head of the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP), called on the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr Khalid Hussain Magsi, to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at protecting public health by strengthening national standards and regulatory enforcement for lead-free consumer products. The meeting was also attended by the Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Shahid Iqbal Baloch, and Chairman, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Dr Syed Hussain Abidi.
The meeting focused on addressing the presence of lead in commonly used consumer products, including turmeric (haldi), paints, traditional eye liners, and other products, while highlighting the serious health risks posed by lead exposure, particularly for children and pregnant women. Participants emphasised the urgent need to develop and enforce stringent national safety standards to eliminate lead from consumer products and safeguard public health.
Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi announced that these products will be included in the mandatory certification regime of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). He stated that mandatory standards and certification would strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance market surveillance, and ensure that only safe and quality-assured products are available to consumers.
UNICEF and LEEP reaffirmed their commitment to providing comprehensive technical support to the Ministry of Science and Technology and its affiliated organisations. The collaboration will include assistance in the development and implementation of national standards, capacity building, specialised training for technical and regulatory personnel, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, addressing gaps in testing facilities and equipment, and enhancing institutional capabilities for effective quality assurance and regulatory enforcement.
The Federal Minister appreciated the continued support of UNICEF and LEEP in strengthening Pakistan’s quality infrastructure. He emphasised that robust standards, effective regulatory mechanisms, and modern laboratory facilities are essential to protecting public health and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Pakistan.
Both sides agreed to work closely to translate these commitments into practical actions through coordinated technical cooperation, institutional strengthening, and regulatory reforms. These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce lead exposure, improve consumer product safety, strengthen national testing and certification systems, and better protect children and other vulnerable segments of society.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Ministry of Science and Technology, PSQCA, PCSIR, UNICEF, and LEEP to advancing product safety, strengthening Pakistan’s quality infrastructure, and ensuring a healthier and safer future for all.
