Unjustified methyl bromide imports banned

The government has uncovered a methyl bromide scandal within the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and suspended a suspicious company's licence, while halting shipments worth $1 million.

Amid a major crackdown on the DPP, the government has reviewed the policy for methyl bromide imports and imposed a ban on the unjustified import of the product.

Under the leadership of Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, the DPP has undertaken a series of transformative, corrective and disciplinary measures over the past six months to overhaul its operations, systems and regulatory mechanisms.

As part of this reform agenda, Rana Tanveer directed the initiation of several strategic measures, including the launch of NAFSA, upgrading testing laboratories and the establishment of a modern institutional infrastructure aligned with global phytosanitary standards. These reforms are aimed at improving Pakistan's compliance with international trade requirements and enhancing export competitiveness.

One of the most impactful actions was the revision in import conditions on a scientific basis, resulting in a drastic reduction in the unjustified use of methyl bromide. This regulatory shift led to significant cost savings for the import industry, ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 per container, particularly benefiting imports of cotton, grains, pulses and lentils.

The move was welcomed by the industry stakeholders and is being viewed as a landmark step towards rationalised pesticide use.

The minister also took firm action against malpractices. A detailed internal audit revealed that a company was importing methyl bromide from a suspicious origin.

Under the minister's instructions, the DPP undertook rigorous scrutiny, including third-party verification, cross-checking of documents and allied investigations. As a result, the company's licence was promptly suspended due to violations of regulatory norms and in coordination with Pakistan Customs, four under-process shipments valuing at $1 million were intercepted at the port before clearance.

These enforcement actions not only prevented the entry of potentially harmful substances but also sent a strong signal about the ministry's zero-tolerance policy against non-compliance and malpractice. Furthermore, strict disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against those found responsible.

Rana Tanveer has repeatedly emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and institutional integrity within all attached departments of the food security ministry.

The detection and disruption of a high-value scam, along with swift and lawful action, have been widely appreciated by stakeholders and the public. It reinforces the resolve to cleanse the system of inefficiencies, ensure fair competition and uphold phytosanitary integrity in national and international trade.

Rana Tanveer reaffirmed that the Ministry of National Food Security would continue to pursue reforms with full force, ensuring that Pakistan's agricultural and quarantine systems meet global benchmarks, and that no leniency would be shown to those violating the law or compromising the national interest.