Privacy Policy

Food Safety & Consumer Protection Department — Government of Punjab

1. Introduction

The Food Safety & Consumer Protection Department (FSCPD), Government of Punjab, respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how data is collected, used, stored, and protected when you visit or interact with the FSCPD official website (https://fscpdpunjab.gop.pk/) and its digital services including the AI Assistant (Ask Sehar). By accessing or using this website or its digital features, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We May Collect

2.1 Automatically Collected Data

Like many government portals, the FSCPD website may automatically collect certain non-personal information for technical, analytical, and performance purposes. This includes:

  • IP Address
  • Browser type
  • Operating system
  • Date and time of access
  • Pages and features visited

Such data does not identify an individual unless required for security or legal reasons.

2.2 Voluntary Information

If you choose to contact the department, submit a query, or use specific interactive services, you may provide voluntary information such as:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Message content

This information is collected only to respond to your request or to deliver the service you have requested.

2.3 AI Assistant Interactions

When you interact with the AI Assistant (“Ask Sehar”):

  • Textual inputs you enter are temporarily processed to generate a response.
  • You are strongly advised not to submit sensitive personal information (e.g., CNIC, financial data) to the AI Assistant.
  • Inputs are not used for enforcement or profiling, and the Department does not intentionally store these conversations.

3. Use of Information

Information collected may be used for:

  • Responding to your inquiries or feedback.
  • Improving website performance and user experience.
  • Providing and enhancing digital services, including AI assistance.
  • Security, maintenance, and troubleshooting purposes.
  • Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

No user data is sold or rented to third parties under any circumstances.

4. Data Sharing

Personal information provided by users may only be shared in the following situations:

  • With government agencies when required by law.
  • With authorized service providers who support the website, under confidentiality obligations.
  • For security, audit, or legal compliance.

Under normal operations, FSCPD does not disclose personal data publicly.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The FSCPD website may use cookies or similar technologies to help improve user experience and performance monitoring. Such technologies collect non-personal data — they do not reveal your identity.

You may configure your browser to refuse cookies, though some website features may not function fully as a result.

6. Data Security

FSCPD implements reasonable technical and administrative safeguards to protect data against unauthorized access, misuse, or alteration. However, no online transmission can be guaranteed as completely secure.

7. External Links

The website may include links to other government or external services. FSCPD does not control the content or privacy practices of external sites and is not responsible for their policies.

8. Children’s Privacy

This website and related digital services are intended for general public use. They do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18. Although children under the age of 18 can file their complaints through next friend, i.e, Mother and Father.

9. Retention of Information

Personal information provided to the FSCPD is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by applicable government record-keeping policies.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access information you have provided.
  • Request correction or deletion of personal data.
  • Withdraw your contents where processing is based on your consent.

To exercise these rights or for privacy-related concerns, contact us using the details below.

11. Changes to this Privacy Policy

FSCPD may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated policy will be posted on the website with a revised effective date.