Pakistan, July 12 -- ISLAMABAD - A Senate panel has praised the sharp drop in rejected rice shipments from Pakistan, linking the success to recent reforms in food safety. The improvements follow orders from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to tighten checks and discipline officials found neglecting their duties.

During a visit to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security reviewed efforts to control pesticide levels in exports. The committee, led by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, was briefed on the progress in meeting international safety rules for food exports.

Officials told senators that in 2024, 106 rice shipments were blocked by the EU - mostly for exceeding safe pesticide levels. Th...