Ramazan raids trigger oversight debate

Concerns grow 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 emerge over the conduct of joint inspections and the apparent concentration of enforcement activity around a single official. During the holy month of Ramazan, 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 prompted debate over balance, institutional roles and regulatory 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 generated discussion within both official and civic circles. 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 officer may affect institutional balance and create perceptions of uneven delegation of responsibility. They argue that enforcement activity should reflect a structured and transparent distribution of duties within the authority, particularly during periods of heightened public sensitivity such as Ramazan.

Similar concerns have also been expressed regarding the participation of teams from the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in operations conducted within Islamabad. While inter-agency cooperation is not uncommon, shopkeepers have maintained that joint actions should be undertaken only when clearly warranted. They contend 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 emphasised that the Islamabad Food Authority should retain visible leadership in actions conducted within the capital, in order to avoid confusion and ensure clarity of mandate. In their view, a clearly defined chain of authority is essential to maintaining confidence among businesses and consumers alike.

At the same time, food safety priorities during Ramazan have come under closer examination. Although inspections of milk suppliers have reportedly been carried out on multiple occasions, other areas linked to iftar consumption appear to have attracted less publicised oversight.