Concerns grow over joint actions and whether inspections cover all food sectors fairly
ISLAMABAD:
Questions are being raised over food safety operations in the federal capital, as concerns emerge over the conduct of joint inspections and the apparent concentration of enforcement activities around a single official. During the holy month of Ramazan, repeated inspections of milk suppliers attracted particular attention, while other food sectors associated with iftar consumption appear to have received less attention. The situation has sparked debate about balance, institutional roles and regulatory oversight.
According to sources, a constant feature of several recent operations has been the visible participation of Nafisa Kiran, an officer of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA). Its recurring presence at inspection sites has sparked discussions in official and civic circles. Observers question whether the authority does not have sufficient internal capacity to carry out enforcement actions through a wider team, or whether other food technologists within the department have been sidelined.
Some officials privately suggest that repeated reliance on a single official can affect the institutional balance and give the impression of unequal delegation of responsibilities. They argue that enforcement activities should reflect a structured and transparent division of labor within the authority, particularly during periods of heightened public sensitivity such as Ramazan.
Similar concerns were also raised over the involvement of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams in operations within Islamabad. Although cooperation between agencies is not uncommon, marketers argue that joint actions should only be taken when clearly justified. They argue that frequent appearances by an external authority, coupled with the prominence of a particular officer, risk creating ambiguity regarding jurisdiction and operational command.
Traders stressed that the Islamabad Food Authority should maintain visible leadership in actions in the capital, to avoid confusion and ensure clarity of its mandate. They say a clearly defined chain of authority is essential to maintaining trust between businesses and consumers.
At the same time, food security priorities during Ramazan have come under closer scrutiny. Although inspections of milk suppliers have reportedly been carried out on several occasions, other areas related to iftar consumption appear to have received less publicized scrutiny.
