MoST, UNICEF and LEEP Strengthen Partnership to Eliminate Lead from Consumer Products

Islamabad, July 29:The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has joined hands with UNICEF and the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) to strengthen Pakistan’s regulatory framework for eliminating lead from consumer products, marking a significant step toward improving public health and product safety. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, with UNICEF Officer-in-Charge Representative Sharmeela Rasool and LEEP Country Head Abid Hasan. Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch and Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi, also participated in the discussions.

The meeting focused on the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly among children and pregnant women. Participants emphasized the urgent need to strengthen national safety standards and regulatory mechanisms to eliminate lead from commonly used products, including turmeric, paints, traditional eye liners (surma), and other consumer goods.

To enhance consumer protection, the minister announced that these products would be brought under the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority’s (PSQCA) mandatory certification regime. The initiative is expected to improve market surveillance, strengthen regulatory oversight, and ensure that only certified, safe, and quality-assured products are available to consumers across the country.

UNICEF and LEEP pledged continued technical support to assist the ministry and its affiliated institutions in developing modern national standards, upgrading laboratory infrastructure, improving testing capabilities, building institutional capacity, and training technical and regulatory personnel. The collaboration will also focus on strengthening quality assurance systems and enhancing enforcement of safety regulations. Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi appreciated the support of UNICEF and LEEP, noting that strong quality infrastructure, modern laboratories, and effective regulatory systems are essential for safeguarding public health.