KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research and Industries & Production Rana Tanveer met at the New Sindh Secretariat on Monday to discuss several key initiatives.
These initiatives included the establishment of an industrial park on extra land belonging to the Pakistan Steel Mills, the revival of the Steel Mills, and the creation of the proposed National Food Safety, Animal & Plant Health Regulatory Authority (NFSAPHRA).
Shah and Tanveer discussed establishing an industrial park on 3,200 acres of land belonging to the Steel Mills. Shah said this land is already registered in the name of Pakistan Steel Mills Limited (PSML). Tanveer said the land’s designation can be changed to ‘industrial use’.
They agreed that the Federal Ministry of Industries & Production would write to the provincial government to request the change of land use, allowing the latter to take the appropriate documentation steps.Tanveer also highlighted that 1,675 acres was allotted to the PSML in 1974-75 for the Steel Project, but the title is yet to be transferred to the PSML. Shah said this matter would be resolved.
Shah emphasised that some 700 acres earmarked for the Steel Mills Plant should be preserved for either revitalising the existing Steel Mills or establishing a new one. Tanveer said a Russian team has already inspected the current Steel Mills Plant and would submit a proposal for a new plant installation in February. Shah expressed the desire for his government to be involved in making the decision regarding the revitalisation of the Steel Mills. Tanveer assured supporting him.
Tanveer said the NFSAPHRA is being established with the primary goal of implementing inspection and quarantine controls for the import and export of animals, plants, agricultural products, food and feed.
This includes the certification of consignments to ensure compliance with sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS) measures and coordinating with provincial governments in implementing the SPS measures regarding the production and marketing of agricultural products, and food intended for export from Pakistan.
Shah said if the federal government considers the draft act relevant, it should involve broader consultations with all the provincial departments, including agriculture, livestock and fisheries, and the provincial food authorities before implementing the act. He suggested greater representation of provincial governments in the proposed authority.
The meeting concluded with the commitment to strengthen coordination to ensure that the industrial park and the revitalised Steel Mills projects are implemented on schedule. Regarding the establishment of the NFSAPHRA, the federal ministry would seek comments from the provincial agriculture and livestock departments.
Tanveer also visited the International Centre for Chemical & Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi. He was welcomed by KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, and research scholar and scientist Prof Dr Attaur Rahman.
Tanveer was briefed about the achievements of the ICCBS and the overall infrastructure of the institute. Dr Rahman apprised Tanveer that the institute is one of the premier research institutes in the world, being the most decorated academic science institution with 32 civil awards.
Dr Rahman said the institute is spread over 100 acres with 20 buildings, and has received international grants worth over $32 million. Tanveer expressed his satisfaction over the institute’s performance, and appealed for playing an extraordinary role for the betterment of the country’s livestock and food crops.
Expressing concern over the situation of livestock, he said it is completely disorganised, and needs proper attention, as it has great potential in terms of GDP contribution.He advised the institute’s team to include seed quality and standards in their study to save the national economy from poor quality seed production. He also urged the application of biotechnology in the livestock sector.
Later, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of National Food Security & Research and the ICCBS. The ICCBS will provide testing facilities on a commercial basis for pesticide residue and related analysis through the institute’s Industrial Analytical Centre.
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