ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has launched a fact‑finding inquiry into alleged irregularities and delays in implementing revised protocols for betel nut imports, after a preliminary report flagged unauthorized changes and obstruction by senior officials of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP).
According to a preliminary report submitted by DPP Director General Dr. Attaullah Khan on December 22, the ministry had approved a new draft protocol in September 2025 to shift laboratory testing offshore, harmonized with international IPPC standards. The measures included accredited pre‑shipment inspections, ISO‑17025 laboratory certification, and integration with Pakistan Single Window (PSW) for track‑and‑trace clearance.
However, the protocol notified in October 2025 mandated compulsory onshore inspection and testing, contradicting the approved version and rendering execution through the IRMS system infeasible. Dr. Khan alleged that senior officers, including Dr. Muhammad Basit and Mr. Muhammad Umer, resisted offshore compliance, citing quarantine rules, and obstructed the transition despite technical solutions being available.
The report further accused Dr. Basit and his team of irregularities in pesticide registration, mishandling correspondence with Indonesia and Uzbekistan, fee embezzlements, and biased court submissions. Trade associations including REAP, APTTA, CLP, PCPA, and APTMA lodged repeated complaints, leading to suspension of Mr. Umer. Dr. Basit has challenged administrative restructuring in the Sindh High Court.
On December 23, MNFSR formally constituted a two‑member inquiry committee led by Additional Secretary Alam Zeb Khan, with a BS‑21 officer to be nominated by the Establishment Division. The committee has been tasked to:
Determine at what stage and by whom unauthorized changes were made in the notification.
Identify officers responsible for processing and issuance.
Fix responsibility for lapses.
Recommend administrative or disciplinary action.
The committee has been directed to submit its findings within seven days.
The DPP has restrained manual release orders and import permits for betel nuts until new conditions are operationalized in consultation with Indonesia’s NPPO. Officials warn that unilateral action could jeopardize Pakistan’s kinnow exports to Indonesia, a major market. Coordination with PSIAs and PSW remains ongoing to enable rollout of the IRMS Green Channel for betel nut consignments.