Pakistan has upgraded two key laboratories in Karachi to improve plant disease detection, pesticide testing, and compliance with international agricultural trade standards.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain inaugurated the upgraded Central Plant Quarantine Laboratory and the Federal Pesticides Testing and Reference Laboratory (FPTRL).
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the University of Karachi, the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, officials from the Department of Plant Protection, scientists and technical experts.
Speaking at the event, Rana Tanveer Hussain said agriculture remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy and that protecting crops from pests and diseases was essential to food security, productivity and export growth.
He said modern laboratory facilities were needed to help Pakistan meet international standards and improve the competitiveness of its agricultural products.
The upgraded Central Plant Quarantine Laboratory is expected to strengthen the detection of harmful pests and plant diseases in imported agricultural commodities. This could help prevent the introduction of invasive species, protect domestic crops and support compliance with international plant health 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 emphasized 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, standardized testing procedures and internationally recognized quality management practices to ensure credibility.