A delegation of the Chefs’ Association of Pakistan (CAP) visited the Head Office of the Punjab Agriculture, Food & Drug Authority (PAFDA) in Lahore to explore avenues for cooperation aimed at enhancing food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality standards within Pakistan’s hospitality and culinary sector.

The delegation was warmly received by Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Director General PAFDA, and Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Member (Food), PAFDA, who briefed the visiting members on PAFDA’s operational framework, infrastructure, and regulatory responsibilities. The officials provided detailed insights into the authority’s role in ensuring food safety, monitoring compliance, and maintaining quality standards across Punjab.

The CAP delegation comprised Founder & President Ahmad Shafiq, Secretary General Mian Shahid Mahmood, Vice President – HoReCa Fraaz Kasuri, Vice President Lahore Chapter Chef Tipu Imran, Advisor to President CAP Chef Muhammad Razzaq, and National Executive Committee Members Chef Faiza Iqbal and Chef Rukhsana Tabassum.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between regulatory bodies and industry professionals to promote responsible food practices. Discussions focused on capacity building, awareness initiatives, and future collaborative programs designed to strengthen compliance culture within restaurants, hotels, catering services, and food production units.

The visit underscored a shared commitment to developing a safer, more standardized, and internationally aligned food ecosystem in Pakistan. Participants agreed that continuous engagement between PAFDA and CAP would play a vital role in improving professional practices, protecting consumers, and supporting the sustainable growth of the hospitality and culinary industry.

The engagement concluded on a positive note, with both institutions expressing readiness to work closely on initiatives that advance food safety education, professional training, and regulatory alignment across the sector.