Food Security in Pakistan: Tackling Smuggling and Ensuring Economic StabilityFood Security in Pakistan: Tackling Smuggling and Ensuring Economic Stability The rising population of Pakistan has intensified challenges in the food sector, leading to a surge in smuggling of perishable and non-perishable goods. This illicit trade undermines local food industries, causing an estimated annual loss of USD 2.63 billion. Key products like milk, oil, sugar, and wheat are particularly affected, damaging local production and investor confidence. Dr. Zialkat Ali Malik emphasizes Pakistan’s alarmingly high level of illicit trade in Asia, exacerbated by porous borders and tax evasion. The Pakistan Business Council estimates losses of US$68 billion, equivalent to 20% of the formal economy. To combat this, Pakistan has implemented stringent regulations under SRO-237, requiring imported packaged foods to meet quality standards, including halal certification and bilingual labeling. These measures have reduced grey imports and stimulated local production, providing opportunities for small-scale manufacturers. Enforcing these regulations has also attracted foreign brands into the Pakistani market legally, enhancing compliance and improving food safety standards. However, Dr. Malik advocates for comprehensive mechanisms to address illegal trafficking effectively. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has recently seized over 3,000 liters of adulterated milk smuggled from Punjab, exposing the ongoing efforts to curb illegal practices. Director General Wasif Saeed has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against food adulteration and smuggling, ensuring strict punishment for offenders. Food Minister KP Zareeful Mani has initiated joint operations in border districts to monitor the movement of essential food items, preventing smuggling of wheat, sugar, poultry, and milk. Control rooms have been established to track food supplies and combat hoarding, demonstrating the government’s commitment to stabilizing food prices and ensuring public access to essential commodities. Pakistan’s fight against food smuggling is pivotal for economic stability and public well-being. By enforcing stringent regulations, enhancing supervision, and fostering local production, Pakistan aims to mitigate economic losses, safeguard food safety, and promote sustainable growth in the food sector.
PESHAWAR: The rapid growth of Pakistan’s population, which has now exceeded 242.8 million, has increased challenges in the food sector and led to an increase in the smuggling of perishable and non-perishable goods.
This illegal trade not only hampers local food industries, but also contributes to significant economic losses, estimated at USD 2.63 billion per year. Key products such as milk, oil, sugar and wheat are particularly affected, undermining local production and investor confidence.
Dr. Zialkat Ali Malik highlights Pakistan’s struggle with one of the highest levels of illicit trade in Asia, exacerbated by porous borders and widespread tax evasion. The Pakistan Business Council reports losses of US$68 billion, which amounts to 20% of the formal economy. To address this problem, Pakistan has implemented strict regulations under SRO-237, which mandates that imported packaged foods meet specific quality standards, including halal certification and bilingual labeling.
These measures have reduced gray imports and stimulated local production, with small-scale manufacturers seizing new market opportunities. The enforcement of these regulations has also led to foreign brands legally entering the Pakistani market, boosting compliance and improving food safety standards. Despite these steps, Dr. Malik stressed the need for broader mechanisms to comprehensively combat illegal trafficking.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Food Safety and Halal Food Authority recently intercepted more than 3,000 liters of adulterated milk smuggled from Punjab, underscoring ongoing efforts to curb illegal practices. Director General Wasif Saeed has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against adulteration and smuggling of food, ensuring strict punishment for offenders.
Food Minister KP Zareeful Mani has launched joint operations in border districts to monitor the movement of essential food items and prevent smuggling of wheat, sugar, poultry and milk. These efforts include setting up control rooms to monitor food supplies and combat hoarding, reflecting the government’s commitment to stabilise food prices and ensure public access to essential commodities.
Pakistan’s fight against food smuggling is crucial for economic stability and public well-being. By enforcing strict regulations, improving supervision and encouraging local production, Pakistan aims to limit economic losses, ensure food safety and promote sustainable growth.
