Islamabad: UNICEF and the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) have joined forces with Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology to bolster safety regulations for lead-free consumer products. The initiative seeks to protect public health by improving national standards and enforcement mechanisms for products such as turmeric, paints, and traditional eye liners, which commonly contain lead.

According to Press Information Department, key figures including UNICEF’s Officer-in-Charge Sharmeela Rasool and LEEP’s Country Head Abid Hasan met with Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi to discuss the partnership. The meeting, also attended by Federal Secretary Shahid Iqbal Baloch and PCSIR Chairman Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi, focused on eliminating lead exposure risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.

Minister Magsi announced plans to include these products in the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority’s mandatory certification regime. This move aims to improve regulatory oversight and ensure that only safe products reach consumers.

UNICEF and LEEP have pledged technical support to the Ministry, covering areas such as standard development, capacity building, and laboratory enhancement. Both organizations aim to fill gaps in testing facilities and boost institutional capabilities for quality assurance.

The collaboration underscores a commitment to advancing product safety and strengthening Pakistan’s quality infrastructure. Enhanced standards and regulatory reforms are expected to reduce lead exposure, improve product safety, and protect vulnerable populations.