PESHAWAR: A water testing campaign by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Authority has revealed alarming results, showing that 41 per cent of bottled water sold in markets across Peshawar is unsafe and unfit for human consumption.
According to the official report, laboratory tests conducted between August 23 and September 19 examined 156 bottled water samples of various sizes, 19 litres, 1.5 litres, 500ml and 300ml. Results showed that 61 samples contained dangerous bacteria while two others tested positive for harmful chemical substances.
The report further disclosed that a total of 117,543 litres of water supplied by local water industries was found to be substandard. Out of 56 water source samples collected from different districts, 52 per cent failed safety checks. Of these, 29 samples were declared unsafe, while 27 were found satisfactory.
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At present, 143 water industries are operational across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, collectively producing more than 419,000 litres of bottled water daily. While 59 per cent of bottled water tested met national safety standards, the findings raise serious concerns about the quality of water being consumed by the public.
Provincial Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru said strict action has been taken against companies producing hazardous bottled water. Heavy fines have been imposed, and businesses have been directed to withdraw unsafe stock from markets. “Until their processing systems are corrected, these companies will not be allowed to supply products,” the minister warned.
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The campaign was carried out at the newly established Provincial Food Testing Laboratory and Centre for Research, where water quality was measured against Pakistan’s official standards.
Officials say the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health amid growing reliance on bottled water due to concerns over municipal supply quality.