Islamabad – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered a nationwide crackdown on the apply of substandard polypropylene woven sacks for packing food items, particularly wheat flour, in a move aimed at curbing significant annual wastage. The directive, issued in a detailed judgment last week, mandates the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to enforce regulations ensuring only certified packaging materials are used. This action addresses concerns raised by manufacturers about the economic impact of porous and faulty sacks on the nation’s food supply.
The court’s intervention follows a petition filed by the Pakistan Polypropylene Woven Sack Manufacturers Association, who argued that billions of rupees worth of wheat flour are lost each year due to inadequate packaging. The association specifically claimed that approximately Rs112 billion worth of wheat flour could be wasted during the current year alone due to the use of substandard sacks. The issue of food packaging quality and its impact on national resources has become a critical concern for Pakistani authorities.
IHC Directs PSQCA to Enforce Standards
Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, in his judgment, instructed the PSQCA to fully exercise its authority under Sections 8, 15, and 22 of the PSQCA Act 1996. This includes the power to identify, seize, detain, and initiate legal proceedings against those involved in the manufacture, storage, sale, and transport of non-compliant polypropylene woven sacks intended for food use. The sacks must carry the mandatory Pakistan Standard (PS) Mark in conformity with PS: 3128 to be considered compliant. Justice Khan was appointed as an Additional Judge of the IHC in January 2025, demonstrating a recent addition to the court’s bench.
The PSQCA has been given a 90-day deadline to submit a comprehensive report detailing the actions taken, the quantities of substandard sacks seized, penalties imposed, and the geographical scope of the enforcement operations. This report will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the crackdown and identifying areas requiring further attention.
Ministry of National Food Security Involved
Recognizing the require for a coordinated approach, the IHC also directed the Ministry of National Food Security to take immediate action. Within 30 days, the ministry must convene consultations with provincial food authorities and relevant federal regulators. The goal is to formulate and notify policy and administrative measures that guarantee wheat flour produced from government-released wheat is packaged exclusively in PSQCA-certified sacks. This measure aims to address the issue at the source, ensuring that government-subsidized flour is protected from wastage due to poor packaging.
Further emphasizing the need for collaboration, the IHC ordered the Ministry of National Food Security and the PSQCA to jointly convene a meeting with representatives from all provincial food authorities. A Joint Action Plan for coordinated and sustained enforcement must be submitted within 45 days, outlining a unified strategy to tackle the problem across the country. This collaborative effort is intended to ensure consistent enforcement of the recent standards nationwide.
Impact on Food Security and the Economy
The use of substandard sacks not only leads to the wastage of a vital food staple but also has significant economic repercussions. The Pakistan Polypropylene Woven Sack Manufacturers Association highlighted the scale of the problem, estimating annual losses in the billions of rupees. Addressing this issue is therefore seen as crucial for bolstering food security and protecting the national economy. Recent rulings by the IHC have also emphasized the importance of implementing and enforcing Standards and Regulations Orders (SROs), underlining the court’s commitment to regulatory compliance.
The IHC’s directive is expected to benefit not only consumers but also legitimate manufacturers of certified polypropylene woven sacks. By leveling the playing field and eliminating unfair competition from producers of substandard packaging, the crackdown aims to promote a more sustainable and responsible industry.
Next Steps and Compliance
The PSQCA is now responsible for initiating the nationwide enforcement drive within 30 days, as per the court’s order. The authority will need to mobilize its resources and coordinate with provincial authorities to effectively identify and penalize those violating the packaging standards. The submission of the comprehensive compliance report in 90 days will provide a clear picture of the progress made and any challenges encountered during the implementation phase.
The Ministry of National Food Security’s consultations with provincial authorities and the development of a Joint Action Plan are also critical next steps. Successful implementation of these measures will require strong collaboration and a commitment to enforcing the new standards consistently across all provinces.
The Islamabad High Court’s decision represents a significant step towards addressing the issue of substandard food packaging in Pakistan. The coming months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of the crackdown and its impact on reducing food wastage and strengthening the nation’s food security. Readers can stay informed about updates on this case through official PSQCA announcements and further reporting from credible news sources.
What are your thoughts on this important development? Share your comments below and help us spread awareness about this critical issue.
