The government of Pakistan has initiated a major crackdown against potentially harmful cosmetics across the country.
The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has unanimously approved the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, aimed at strengthening regulation of cosmetics and preventing the production and import of substandard products.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha at Parliament House and attended by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Hiraj and other committee members.
During the meeting, Raza Hayat Hiraj raised concerns about the use of potentially harmful chemicals, including mercury, in some substandard skin-whitening creams.
He said the use of unsafe cosmetic products could pose serious health risks to consumers and called for stronger oversight of the cosmetics industry.
The minister also raised concerns about the alleged use of oxytocin injections in buffaloes to increase milk production, particularly in major cities including Karachi.
Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi told the committee that the proposed legislation would lead to the establishment of a dedicated authority to regulate the cosmetics sector.
The authority would be responsible for monitoring the quality and safety of cosmetic products and helping ensure that locally manufactured products meet international standards for export.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals involved in manufacturing or importing substandard cosmetics could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs10 million.
The legislation is intended to strengthen regulatory controls and protect consumers from potentially unsafe cosmetic products.
The bill’s approval by the Senate committee is an important step in the legislative process. It will still need to pass through the remaining parliamentary stages before it can become law.
