Senior officials at Pakistan’s National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) are facing allegations of undermining the country’s agricultural biosecurity through controversial policy decisions regarding methyl bromide fumigation.
Key Allegations
According to sources within the agricultural sector, officials have moved to restrict the use of methyl bromide (MeBr) fumigation, a quarantine treatment used to prevent the entry of invasive pests, plant pathogens, and other biosecurity threats into Pakistan’s agricultural system.
The decision has reportedly been made without proper consultation with mandated technical committees, including the National Biosecurity Technical Committee (NBTC) and National Plant Health Committee (NPHC).
Industry Impact
The agricultural export sector, particularly rice, sesame, and corn exporters, report significant challenges due to these policy changes. Industry representatives claim:
- Export shipments are experiencing delays at ports
- Compliance with international phytosanitary requirements has become more difficult
- Pakistan risks losing market access to key destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, USA, Russia, Thailand, Korea, and Mexico
Background Context
The controversy centers around methyl bromide, a fumigant commonly used in international trade for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes. While the chemical is regulated under the Montreal Protocol due to environmental concerns, it remains exempt for quarantine applications, particularly for developing countries whose economies depend on agricultural exports.
Several officials within NAFSA have previously faced legal scrutiny, including Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) investigations related to biosecurity clearance procedures for imported agricultural products.
Agricultural trade experts warn that the policy changes could affect Pakistan’s competitive position in regional markets, where countries like India, Thailand, Philippines, and Bangladesh continue to use approved fumigation methods to meet international standards.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between environmental regulations and agricultural trade requirements, particularly for developing nations dependent on agricultural exports.
The agricultural industry is calling for transparent consultation processes and adherence to established international protocols in policy formulation. Trade associations have indicated they may seek legal remedies if export disruptions continue.
