The Islamabad Food Authority has sealed two beverage manufacturing units in Islamabad after uncovering major food safety violations during an unannounced inspection. The action was taken against Haideri Beverages and Beverages Plus, both located in Humak Model Town, following a surprise raid carried out by the Islamabad Food Authority in coordination with the ICT Assistant Commissioner. The operation was launched after authorities received complaints regarding unsafe production practices. During the inspection, officials discovered expired sugar allegedly infested with fungus, which was reportedly being used in the production of beverages. The findings raised serious concerns about public health and consumer safety. According to the inspection report, authorities identified four major violations of food safety regulations. These included failure to comply with earlier directives issued by the Islamabad Food Authority, the presence of approximately 150 sugar bags with tampered expiry dates, cockroach infestation on sugar sacks, and improper storage of sugar directly on the floor, breaching hygiene standards. Food safety teams collected two separate sugar samples from the contaminated stock and sent them for laboratory testing to determine potential health risks. As a result of the violations, the authorities sealed a total of 54,874 sugar bags at both facilities and ordered an immediate suspension of all production, sales, and procurement activities until further notice. Officials said the value of the seized expired sugar alone runs into millions of rupees, underscoring the scale of the violation. The Islamabad Food Authority has reiterated its commitment to enforcing food safety laws and warned that strict action will be taken against any business found endangering public health.
Nestle Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Pakistan with $60m Expansion Plan
Global food giant Nestle has announced a fresh $60 million investment in Pakistan, signalling a major expansion of its local operations and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the country. The announcement was made during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Nestle executive vice president and CEO for Asia, Oceania and Africa Remy Ejel, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance. The meeting took place during a high-level business roundtable chaired by Aurangzeb, which brought together chief executive officers and senior leaders from leading multinational corporations to discuss Pakistan’s reform agenda, investment climate, and long-term growth prospects. Nestlé Announces USD 60 Million Additional Investment in Pakistan at WEF Business Roundtable Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, today chaired a high-level Business Roundtable on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in… pic.twitter.com/NB5Vp3vOTK— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 22, 2026 According to the ministry, the roundtable was part of the government’s broader engagement with global investors aimed at improving policy predictability, accelerating economic formalisation, and promoting sustainable, export-oriented growth. “A key highlight of the discussion was the announcement by Remy Ejel of an additional investment of $60 million in Pakistan,” the statement said. “Nestle will undertake a robust expansion of its operations in the country, reaffirming its long-term commitment to Pakistan.” Ejel also revealed that Nestle plans to use Pakistan as a regional manufacturing and export hub, with the company set to export products to 26 countries from its Pakistani facilities. Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook, he said Nestle expects strong growth in its local business in the coming years. The finance ministry noted that the announcement builds on recent engagements between Nestle and the government in Islamabad, where the company outlined a strategy focused on localisation, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and agricultural transformation. Ejel highlighted that Pakistan’s large and youthful population, rising nutrition needs, and underdeveloped value-added food segments closely resemble growth patterns seen in Southeast Asian markets where Nestle has successfully expanded. Welcoming the announcement, Aurangzeb described the investment as a “strong vote of confidence” in Pakistan’s economic reforms and formalisation drive. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the tax ecosystem, ensuring policy consistency, and facilitating responsible long-term investment. The minister also underscored Pakistan’s potential in affordable nutrition, climate-resilient dairy, local sourcing, and export-oriented manufacturing, reiterating the government’s goal of positioning the country as a competitive base for regional production and global value chains.
PCB Hits Pause on T20 World Cup Preparations as Bangladesh Issue Remains Unresolved
Growing uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to halt preparations for the national team, media reports said, weeks ahead of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka. Media reports, citing informed sources, said Pakistan’s team management has been told that a formal briefing will be held later to outline the next steps. Officials have also been directed to develop a contingency plan should Pakistan ultimately decide not to take part in the event. According to the reports, Pakistan has expressed full support for Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India, describing the neighbouring country’s security concerns as “reasonable and valid.” Sources added that Islamabad could reassess its own participation if the matter remains unresolved. Officials were quoted as saying that no country should be pressured or coerced regarding hosting duties or participation decisions in international tournaments. Earlier media reports suggested that Pakistan has begun internally reviewing its position on the World Cup, linking its participation to how Bangladesh’s concerns are addressed by tournament organisers. PCB Offers to Host Matches On January 11, the PCB publicly offered to host Bangladesh’s matches if Sri Lankan venues are unavailable. Board officials said Pakistan’s grounds are fully prepared to stage World Cup fixtures, pointing to the country’s recent experience of hosting major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier. Ireland Confirms Schedule Will Not Change In a related development, Cricket Ireland clarified that the International Cricket Council will not shift Ireland’s group-stage matches from Sri Lanka, dismissing speculation that Bangladesh could be moved to a different group due to travel concerns. “We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official was quoted as saying. Bangladesh’s Decision Expected Soon A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation—particularly regarding travel to India—is expected by January 21, following recent discussions between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board in Dhaka. During their second meeting within a week, BCB officials reportedly reaffirmed Bangladesh’s willingness to compete in the tournament but expressed a preference for playing matches outside India. Sri Lanka was proposed as a potential alternative venue. The ICC has maintained that the tournament schedule will remain unchanged. Under the current fixtures, Bangladesh are placed in Group C and are scheduled to open their campaign against West Indies in Kolkata, followed by two additional group matches at the same venue before concluding the group stage in Mumbai. ICC officials have reportedly informed the BCB that there is no specific security threat to the Bangladesh team in India. Replacement Scenario Considered Should Bangladesh ultimately decide against travelling to India, media reports indicate that the ICC may nominate a replacement team, with Scotland currently next in line based on international rankings.
