ISLAMABAD, Aug 03 (APP):Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema on Monday reviewed the progress on the operationalization of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), reaffirming the government's commitment to establishing a modern, technology-driven regulatory framework aimed at facilitating agricultural trade, strengthening food safety oversight, and improving ease of doing business. The minister was charing a meeting on the Authority's operational preparedness, according to press release issued by …
Cheema reviews progress on NAFSA operationalization, reiterates commitment to modern agri-trade reforms
ISLAMABAD, Aug 03 (APP):Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema on Monday reviewed the progress on the operationalization of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), reaffirming the government’s commitment to establishing a modern, technology-driven regulatory framework aimed at facilitating agricultural trade, strengthening food safety oversight, and improving ease of doing business.
The minister was charing a meeting on the Authority’s operational preparedness, according to press release issued by Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The meeting was attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Agriculture and Food Safety Ahmad Umair, Secretary National Food Security, Amer Ali Ahmad; Director General NAFSA, Imran Mohmand; and senior officials, who presented a comprehensive briefing on the Authority’s operational preparedness.
The minister was briefed that NAFSA would function as a single-window platform for agricultural importers and exporters, offering transparent and efficient processing of trade-related matters through digital services, including an AI-powered website, dedicated helpline, and official social media platforms.
The meeting was informed that the Authority is expected to become fully operational within the next few months, with recruitment being carried out on merit through an independent committee, specialized training underway for newly hired officers, and institutional autonomy strengthened through an empowered Board of Governance.
The participants were also apprised that no employees from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) have been inducted into NAFSA. However, a few one will temporarily assist the Authority during its initial operational phase to ensure a smooth transition.
It was informed that newly recruited NAFSA officers are currently undergoing specialized training at the Customs Academy Karachi under the supervision of national and international experts to equip them with modern regulatory and inspection practices.
On the occasion, Cheema described NAFSA as one of the most significant reforms in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, saying it would replace outdated systems, reduce procedural delays, eliminate unnecessary red tape, and provide internationally aligned regulatory services for agricultural imports and exports.
