Karachi Plant Quarantine, Pesticide Labs Upgraded

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) on Saturday, October 24.

What the Labs Will Do

• Central Plant Quarantine Laboratory: strengthens the detection of harmful pests and plant diseases in imported agricultural commodities, helping prevent invasive species, protect domestic crops and meet international plant health requirements.

• FPTRL: improves the scientific assessment of pesticide formulations, verification of active ingredients and detection of substandard agricultural chemicals. Better pesticide residue testing also supports food safety, regulatory compliance and agricultural exports.

Minister’s Remarks

Rana Tanveer Hussain said agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy and that protecting crops from pests and diseases is essential to food security, productivity and export growth. He stressed that reliable laboratory results are essential for evidence-based regulatory decisions, and highlighted the importance of modern analytical technologies, trained scientists, standardised testing procedures and internationally recognised quality management practices.

Representatives of the University of Karachi, the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, plant protection officials and scientists attended the ceremony.