KARACHI: Pakistan’s mango export control system has come under scrutiny after a senior official of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), Hassan Chachar, allegedly attempted to influence a surprise inspection of a Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plant, amid reports of untreated mango exports and an investigation into suspected irregularities in the certification process.
The issue assumes significance as HWT, Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) and irradiation facilities play a critical role in certifying Pakistani mango consignments for export to countries with stringent phytosanitary requirements.
According to an official explanation issued by the DPP on July 8, a surprise monitoring committee constituted to inspect mango HWT, VHT, irradiation plants and pack houses was visiting an HWT facility when its member received repeated WhatsApp calls and a voice message from Hassan Chachar.
The DPP document says Mr Chachar informed the committee member that the Plant Protection Adviser and Director General had conveyed a message regarding the inspection. He allegedly instructed the member that the inspection should be conducted without disrupting the ongoing treatment process, that treatment should continue normally and that “unnecessary strictness” should be avoided.
The DPP subsequently called upon Mr Chachar to explain the message and clarify why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him for alleged misconduct, negligence and inefficiency.
The development has assumed greater significance following reports of untreated mango consignments being exported and interceptions in foreign markets. Sources said a government investigative agency has also launched an inquiry into the matter and recently visited the DPP office, where it collected records relating to mango exports and treatment facilities.
Sources further alleged that untreated mango exports have continued despite the scrutiny, potentially benefiting a handful of HWT plant owners.
Official DPP data shows the scale of exports passing through the treatment system. Pakistan exported 29,689 tonnes of mangoes to Iran through 18 treatment plants between June 1 and August 6, 2026, with 3,018 phytosanitary certificates issued.
The exports were heavily concentrated among a few facilities. Pak Sun Green HWT handled 4,724 tonnes (16pc), Aurangzeb and Brothers 3,550 tonnes (12pc), Get Fresh HWT 3,309 tonnes (11pc), RMC HWT 2,751 tonnes (9pc) and Milat Trading Company 2,337 tonnes (8pc).
Together, these five plants handled about 56pc of all mangoes exported to Iran during the period, highlighting the potential commercial impact of any weakness in treatment or certification at major facilities.
The issue is particularly sensitive because Iran is one of Pakistan’s major mango markets, while the country is also seeking to expand exports to demanding markets including China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and the United States.
Any loss of confidence in Pakistan’s phytosanitary certification system could therefore have consequences beyond individual exporters or treatment plants.
The controversy raises a fundamental question for the government: whether every mango consignment certified as treated by Pakistan’s regulatory system actually undergoes the prescribed treatment, and whether inspectors are able to conduct surprise inspections independently without interference.
With foreign markets increasingly tightening phytosanitary requirements, Pakistan cannot afford a situation in which allegations of untreated exports, foreign interceptions and interference in inspections combine to undermine confidence in its mango certification system.
