Pakistan: Pakistan becomes member of Turkish accreditation body

ISLAMABAD: Acknowledging the launch of a Halal food accreditation scheme by Pakistan, Turkey has awarded membership to the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC).

Talking to the media here on Tuesday, PNAC Director General Anjum Bashir said the Standard and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) of Turkey had acknowledged the Halal accreditation scheme of Pakistan and would give membership of its accreditation committee to PNAC.

This, he added, would give higher recognition to PNAC internationally, providing a better opportunity to monitor developments in finalisation of Halal guidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) – a grouping of Muslim countries.

Certificates issued by PNAC-accredited bodies will also get worldwide recognition.

Bashir said SMIIC board of directors had, in a recent meeting, decided to set up an accreditation committee at its general secretariat in Turkey for launching an accreditation scheme in OIC member states.

The committee will be responsible for establishing a sound system and raise awareness of accreditation concepts in OIC member states. It will also implement accreditation standards, perform peer assessment and issue related certificates.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2012.