ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly panel on Thursday declared Department of Plant Protection (DPP) of Ministry of National Food Security and Research as most the corrupt organisation which is defamed the country by clearing rice consignments on fake certificates, Almost all the members of Standing Committee were unanimously in saying that DPP in conniving with four companies of fumigation which are being operated from one office. Abdul Qadir Gilani, accused also four companies of damaging country’s image.
Sharmila Faruqi, who had raised the issue at the National Assembly also mentioned the names of four companies which have monopolized the entire chain in connivance with DPP corrupt officials.
Ministry of National Food Security and Research apprised the Committee that the government has decided to issue fumigation licences for 57 companies, aiming to break the monopoly held by four companies in a transparent manner. The committee also called for action against officials from the “notorious” Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and rice exporters responsible for damaging the country’s reputation.
According to the official, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is currently investigating the scandal, and the Technical Director General of DPP has already been suspended due to allegations of corrupt practices. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research representative informed the Committee that 17 DPP officials previously jailed for colluding with rice exporters have now been released on bail.
The Committee was also informed that the Prime Minister has issued directives to ensure that no DPP official involved in discrediting the country will be appointed to any position within the department.
He further stated that the government has also decided to withdraw a letter, sent by the former suspended DG DPP to foreign government regarding fumigation of consignments to be imported to Pakistan. According to the officials, millions of rupees have been spent on fumigation of food items imported by the government.
The Committee was further informed that the government has also decided to do away with excessive fumigation.
Representatives from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) attempted to defend the 17 suspended DPP officials, shifting blame to the four companies operating from a single address. However, Ministry officials rebutted this claim, stating that some of the suspended individuals had admitted to issuing fake clearance certificates.
REAP also requested that the government relax the stringent requirements for rice exports to Africa, arguing that this would increase costs and make Pakistani rice less competitive, especially since the price difference with India is currently only $2 per ton. Special Secretary of the Commerce Ministry, Shakeel Ahmed Mangnejo, informed the Committee that interceptions in rice exports have been reduced by half due to better implementation of government measures. He added that there are no issues with rice exports to the European Union (EU), though challenges remain with other markets.
REAP further requested that inspection rules for African markets be relaxed, as there are no similar conditions for rice exports from other countries. They also claimed that rice exports had declined by $800 million over the last two months due to an 18-day export ban. During the meeting, the Committee reviewed multiple alerts issued by the European Union concerning excess pesticide residues in rice exports. The Chairman emphasized the need for strict adherence to legal and quality standards and called for accountability for any individuals or groups responsible for the disruptions.
According to an official statement, the Committee also highlighted monopolistic practices in the fumigation sector that have been negatively affecting rice exporters. The Chairman stressed the need for immediate measures to dismantle these monopolies and ensure a fair environment for exporters. As a result, the Committee decided to close the calling attention notice, with a follow-up meeting scheduled in 30 days to review progress on the issue.
