Concerns are growing over joint actions and whether inspections fairly cover all food sectors
ISLAMABAD:
Questions are being raised regarding food safety operations in the federal capital as concerns arise 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 have attracted particular attention, while other food sectors associated with iftar consumption appear to have received comparatively less scrutiny. The situation has given rise to debate about balance, institutional roles and legislative oversight.
According to sources, a consistent feature of several recent operations has been the visible participation of Nafisa Kiran, an officer of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA). Her recurring presence at inspection sites has created discussion in both official and civil circles. Observers have questioned whether the authority lacks sufficient internal capacity to carry out enforcement actions through a wider team, or whether other food technologists in the department have been sidelined.
Some officials privately suggest that repeated reliance on a single officer can affect institutional balance and create perceptions of uneven delegation of responsibility. They argue that enforcement activities should reflect a structured and transparent division of duties within the authority, especially during periods of heightened public sensitivity such as Ramazan.
Similar concerns have also been expressed regarding the participation of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams in operations conducted in Islamabad. While inter-agency collaboration is not uncommon, store owners have maintained that joint action should only be undertaken when clearly warranted. They argue that frequent appearances by an outside authority, combined with the prominence of a particular officer, risk creating confusion about jurisdiction and operational command.
Traders have emphasized that the Islamabad Food Authority should maintain visible leadership in actions carried out in the capital to avoid confusion and ensure clarity of mandate. In their view, a clearly defined chain of authorities is essential to maintain trust among both companies and consumers.
At the same time, the food safety priorities during Ramazan have been examined more closely. Although inspections of milk suppliers have reportedly been carried out on several occasions, other areas linked to iftar consumption appear to have attracted less public scrutiny.
