Islamabad, June 17, 2025: In recognition of World Food Safety Day, a thought-provoking symposium titled “Science in Action” was jointly organized by the Pakistan Senate, Gallup Pakistan, Impact Research International, and Islamabad Food Authority at Islamabad club.
The event underscored the critical need for a science-led approach to food safety and called for urgent fiscal reforms particularly in taxation policy to support the formal food sector.
Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, presided over the panel. He stressed the urgent need to design and implement evidence-based policies that ensure access to safe, traceable food in line with international standards. “Food safety and security are not just issues of today, they are challenges for the future. Our systems must evolve to guarantee compliance, traceability,
and public trust,” he stated.
Ms. Rida Qazi, Advisor to the Senate on Special Initiatives, reinforced the message by saying, “Safe food deserves to be called food. Food safety must begin at the farm and extend all the way to our dining tables. Chairman Senate, Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani, has remained a strong advocate of strengthening food supply chains to support this mission”, she said.
Mr. Jameel Ahmed Qureshi, Secretary of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), echoed the need for alignment between fiscal policies and health priorities. “We must incentivize formalization of the food sector”. While answering a question about taxing formal dairy sector he said “public welfare should be the priority and taxing safe packaged milk is counterproductive. Instead, our policies should reflect our national commitment to
providing safe, nutritious food for all”.Addressing fiscal hurdles, Dr. Nasir, a seasoned food technologist and industry representative, pointed out the disconnect between policy and public health goals. “Our taxation framework should enable not obstruct the availability of safe food. Taxing the
formal sector only pushes consumers toward unsafe, unregulated options and undermines food security.” He said.
Mr. Bilal Gillani, CEO of Gallup Pakistan, emphasized that true food security can only be achieved through the commitment and collaboration of a strategic triad: science, economy, and culture. He explained that scientists must lead with data-driven research, economists must design budgets that support both providers and consumers of safe food, and a cultural shift must be fostered where the consumption of safe, nutritious food becomes a natural part of daily life.
Dr. Hana Mehmood, Chief of Global Health at the International Research Force, emphasized the role of science in policymaking. “Public health protection and consumer empowerment start with food safety and transparent nutritional information. Our decisions must be grounded in scientific evidence not assumptions,” she urged.
Mr. Zubair Faisal Abbasi from Impact Research International summarized the consensus that emerged from the symposium: “The formal food sector ensures traceability, transparent nutritional labeling, and regular monitoring for microbial and chemical safety. These products adhere to Codex Alimentarius standards and are regulated by national and provincial food safety authorities. Therefore, our fiscal governance must be structured to
actively incentivize the formal and documented sector,” he emphasized. One of the strongest messages of the day resonated clearly: “It’s not food if it’s not safe.” This is particularly relevant for milk in Pakistan. While loose milk dominates 92% of the market and poses serious health risks, only 8% of the market comprises safe, packaged milk.
Unfair taxation policies make this safer option less accessible to consumers. Experts from governemtn, academia, and industry stressed that adopting equitable taxation aligned with global best practices will ensure fair access to safe nutrition and foster a healthier, more resilient nation.
