The Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFSR) has ordered a high-level inquiry against officers of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) over alleged irregularities in implementing the revised protocol and complaints from trade organizations.
According to reports obtained by Trade News, MNFSR has launched a fact-finding inquiry into alleged irregularities and delays in implementing the revised protocol for chili imports. An initial report highlighted unauthorized changes and obstructions by senior officers of the DPP.
The preliminary report, submitted on December 22 by Dr. Attaullah Khan, Director General of DPP, stated that the Ministry had approved a new draft protocol in September 2025, which aimed to transfer laboratory testing abroad in line with international IPPC standards. The approved measures included pre-shipment inspection, ISO-17025 laboratory certification, and track-and-trace clearance via Pakistan Single Window (PSW).
However, the protocol notified in October 2025 required mandatory inspections and testing within Pakistan, conflicting with the approved version and preventing implementation through the IRMS system. Dr. Khan alleged that senior officers, including Dr. Muhammad Basit and Muhammad Umar, resisted offshore compliance citing quarantine laws and obstructed the transfer despite technical solutions being available.
The report also accused Dr. Basit and his team of irregularities in pesticide registration, mismanagement in correspondence with Indonesia and Uzbekistan, embezzlement of fees, and taking biased positions in court. Trade organizations including REAP, APTTA, CLP, PCPA, and APTMA had repeatedly lodged complaints, resulting in Muhammad Umar being suspended, while Dr. Basit has challenged administrative changes in the Sindh High Court.
On December 23, MNFSR formally established a two-member inquiry committee, headed by Additional Secretary Alam Zeb Khan, with the Establishment Division nominating a BS-21 officer. The committee has been tasked with:
- Determining who made unauthorized changes and at what stage
- Identifying officers responsible for processing and issuance
- Assigning accountability for lapses
- Recommending administrative or disciplinary action
The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven days.
It is noted that DPP has suspended manual release orders and import permits for chili until the new conditions are implemented after consultation with Indonesia’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO). Authorities have warned that unilateral actions could threaten Pakistan’s citrus exports to Indonesia, a major market. Coordination continues with Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies (PSIAs) and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) to activate the IRMS green channel for chili shipments.
