A Senate committee reviews bill aimed at improving food safety and reducing the consumption of high-sugar and high-caffeine beverages in Islamabad. The proposed legislation seeks to protect children and teenagers by introducing stronger measures under the existing food safety framework.
The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology held its meeting at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha.
The session was attended by Senators Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Husna Bano, Samina Mumtaz Zehri and Muhammad Aslam Abro. Federal Minister for Science and Technology, senior ministry officials and representatives of relevant departments also participated in the meeting.
During the session, the committee reviews bill titled the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The private member’s bill was introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri.
According to the proposal, the legislation aims to regulate the sale and consumption of beverages containing high levels of sugar and caffeine.
The bill focuses particularly on protecting children and adolescents from unhealthy dietary habits. It also proposes encouraging healthier drink options while strengthening the implementation of the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety Act, 2021.
Speaking during the meeting, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri expressed concern over the growing number of diabetes cases in Pakistan.
She said unhealthy eating habits among children have become a serious public health challenge. She added that Pakistan continues to face one of the highest diabetes rates globally.
The senator noted that a standard 250ml soft drink contains approximately nine teaspoons of sugar. She said excessive sugar intake increases health risks, especially among younger age groups.
Officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology also shared their views on the proposed legislation.
The ministry’s secretary informed lawmakers that some provisions of the draft law fall outside the jurisdiction of the relevant authority.
He said certain clauses may conflict with the existing legal and regulatory framework. Instead of introducing a separate legal structure, he recommended incorporating the proposed changes into the current law.
Representatives from the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) also addressed the committee.
They explained that standards for soft drinks and similar beverages already exist under the current regulatory system.
Officials warned that establishing another regulatory framework could create duplication and legal complications.
After detailed discussion, the committee agreed that the draft legislation should be revised. Members decided the proposed amendments should remain consistent with the existing legal framework while preserving the bill’s public health objectives.
During the meeting, lawmakers also discussed the increasing consumption of energy drinks among children and teenagers.
Committee members expressed concern that excessive intake could lead to dependency and other health problems.
Some members also claimed that when mixed with certain easily available syrups, energy drinks may produce intoxicating effects similar to narcotic substances.
Chairman Senator Kamil Ali Agha directed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive scientific analysis of ingredients commonly used in energy drinks.
He said the report would help lawmakers develop informed regulatory measures in the future.
The committee also reviews bill discussions alongside measures related to food safety inspections.
Members examined ways to ensure timely inspection of betel nuts before they reach consumers. The objective is to prevent fungal contamination and improve public health protection.
The committee will continue examining the revised draft before making further recommendations on the proposed legislation.
In other news read more about: Senate Committee Reviews Tax Administration And Financial Legislation
