Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, inaugurated the upgraded Central Plant Quarantine Laboratory and Federal Pesticides Testing and Reference Laboratory (FPTRL) in Karachi, marking an important step towards strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural biosecurity, pesticide quality assurance and international agricultural trade.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of the University of Karachi, the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry (HEJ RIC), the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), senior officials of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), scientists and technical experts.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that protecting crops from harmful pests and diseases is essential for ensuring food security, improving productivity and strengthening agricultural exports. He stated that modern scientific infrastructure is vital for meeting international standards and enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products.
“Our objective is not merely to increase agricultural production but also to ensure that our crops are protected, agricultural inputs meet quality standards and our products gain greater access to international markets,” the Minister said.
Highlighting the significance of the upgraded facilities, the Minister stated that the Central Plant Quarantine Laboratory would strengthen diagnostic capabilities for identifying harmful pests and plant diseases associated with imported agricultural commodities. Improved quarantine testing would help prevent the introduction of invasive pests, protect domestic crops and facilitate compliance with international phytosanitary requirements.
He further noted that the Federal Pesticides Testing and Reference Laboratory would enhance the scientific assessment of pesticide formulations, verification of active ingredients and detection of substandard agricultural chemicals. Improved pesticide residue testing would also support food safety, regulatory compliance and the export of agricultural commodities to international markets.
The Minister emphasised that reliable laboratory results are essential for evidence-based regulatory decisions and effective enforcement of agricultural standards. He stressed the importance of modern analytical technologies, trained scientific personnel, standardised testing procedures and internationally recognised quality management practices to ensure the credibility.
