Concerns are growing about joint actions and whether inspections cover all food sectors equitably
ISLAMABAD:
Questions are being raised about food safety operations in the federal capital, as concerns arise over the conduct of joint inspections and the apparent concentration of law enforcement activity around a single official. During the holy month of Ramadan, repeated inspections of milk suppliers have drawn particular attention, while other food sectors associated with iftar consumption appear to have received comparatively less scrutiny. The situation has sparked a debate about balance, institutional roles and regulatory oversight.
According to sources, a consistent feature of several recent operations has been the visible involvement of Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) official Nafisa Kiran. Their recurring presence at inspection sites has generated debates in both the official and civic spheres. Observers have questioned whether the authority lacks sufficient internal capacity to carry out enforcement actions through a broader 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 institutional balance and create perceptions of unequal delegation of responsibilities. They argue that law enforcement activity should reflect a structured and transparent distribution of duties within the authority, particularly during periods of heightened public sensitivity such as Ramadan.
Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the involvement of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams in operations conducted in Islamabad. While interagency cooperation is not uncommon, traders have argued that joint action should be undertaken only when clearly justified. They argue that frequent appearances by an external authority, coupled with the prominence of a particular officer, risk creating ambiguity over jurisdiction and operational command.
Traders have emphasized that the Islamabad Food Authority should maintain visible leadership in actions taken within the capital, in order to avoid confusion and ensure clarity of mandate. In his opinion, a clearly defined chain of authority is essential to maintain trust between both companies and consumers.
At the same time, food security priorities during Ramadan have come under closer scrutiny. Although inspections of milk suppliers have reportedly been carried out on multiple occasions, other areas related to iftar consumption appear to have attracted less publicized oversight.
