Govt Embarks On Modernization Of PSQCA: Rana Tanveer

KARACHI, Feb. 14 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Feb, 2017 ) : The PML-N Government committed to the cause of quality life for the people has embarked upon an elaborate scheme for modernization of Pakistan Standards Quality and Control Authority (PSQCA).

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain chairing a meeting at PSQCA - Karachi office said chain of laboratories managed under the authority has been recently upgraded against a cost of Rs 40 million.

One of the top priorities of the government is to ensure quality food items for the consumers, he said mentioning that there were 108 mandatory items on PSQCA list. The latest addition in this mandatory list is that of Milk available in tetra packs, said the Minister for Science and Technology.

Consequent to necessary spade work and investigation the government on basis of scientifically compiled reports of PSQCA has till date issued licenses to six brands of relevant companies. Licensing process for other brands was said to be underway and expected to be completed within a month's time.

The Federal Minister said PSQCA is also in process to devise and incorporate standard preparation of "Fortified Wheat Flour." This, he said was in compliance to National Assembly's Standing Committee on Science and Technology so that appropriate measures are adopted to ensure supply of quality wheat flour to the consumers.

Rana Tanveer sharing further details about PSQCA elevation said mobile Labs of PSQCA have also been refurbished and will be deployed at different stations/markets/bazars for on the spot checking of daily use items.

Moreover, he said PC-1 for establishment of Asian Institute of Standards (AIS), at Islamabad, as an essential component of PSQCA, is also in preparatory phase. PSQCA will also be introducing the concept of issuance of Foreign Manufacturing License by March 2017, he said.

In order to expand the activities of PSQCA, the minister said new zones and offices are being opened throughout the country. Federal Government will provide every possible support for the purpose, he said in reply to a question.

The Minister for Science and Technology reiterated that PML - N government was equally committed to ensure that recruitment in government departments and institutions were made on basis of merit.

Hiring of highly qualified and competent staff in PSQCA is underway, he said mentioning that interview and other required induction process of 76 Engineers/Scientists have already been completed.

Rana Tanveer Hussain said PSQCA will turn functional its new offices and updated lab facilities in Quetta some time next month. PSQCA was said to have also finalized and streamlined its database and that most of the relevant information was currently available on its newly launched website.

PSQCA has also introduced Mobile-App for the help of common consumers to verify the authenticity of licenses issued to different products, said the minister.