LAHORE: Department of Islamic Development Malaysia has approved the Punjab Halal Development Agency (PHDA) as a recognised international halal certification body in Pakistan. After getting this status, the PHDA is now eligible to conduct halal audits and award halal certifications to products complying the criteria mentioned in the Malaysians halal standards set worldwide on behalf of Malaysia. To avail the unique title, the PHDA requested the Malaysian authorities previous year, resultantly a few months ago, Malaysian team conducted audit of the PHDA and after consultation with the government and relevant authorities, they appointed the PHDA as authorised international halal certification body in Pakistan. While talking to media, Punjab Halal Development Agency Chairman Justice Khalilur Rehman Khan said it was a landmark achievement for Pakistan, as the Malaysians never awarded this status to a Public Sector Organisation.