ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a new strategy to boost the country’s Halal meat exports, directing officials to submit a detailed, three-year action plan within two weeks.
The policy aims to address the country’s modest share – just 0.25 percent – of the global Halal food market, which exceeds USD 3 trillion.
The decision was made during a review meeting on the Halal Meat Export Policy, chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, which sought to strengthen the country’s position in the Halal meat export market by focusing on strategic policy reforms and sector improvements.
He emphasised the need for a coordinated effort between federal ministries and provincial governments to enhance the country’s position in the growing global Halal meat market, particularly in Muslim-majority nations.
“The potential for Pakistan in this market is significant, but to tap into it, we must streamline production, cold storage, and related supply chain logistics,” he said.
He also stressed that a comprehensive strategy is crucial, not only to boost exports but also to ensure that Pakistan can compete effectively with regional producers on equal terms.
The prime minister called for an immediate increase in the production of Halal meat from livestock, ensuring that the output meets international standards and can match the scale of competitors in the region.
He also outlined the importance of establishing specialised centres, through cooperation among federal and provincial authorities, to enhance both the quality and nutritional value of Halal meat.
A key element of the policy is the push for international certification of slaughterhouses and ensuring hygienic, disease-free conditions at facilities across the country.
The prime minister pledged full government support for the industry, particularly in facilitating bilateral agreements and certification processes.
During the briefing, officials said that Pakistan currently produces around six million metric tonnes of Halal meat annually, with a significant portion available for export after meeting domestic demand.
They said that special efforts are underway to improve packaging and production standards to meet international expectations.
The meeting was attended by a range of senior officials, including Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, and other senior officials.
The policy comes on the heels of an October announcement by Malaysia, which expressed interest in importing USD 200 million worth of Halal meat from Pakistan.
In response, Jam Kamal instructed key stakeholders to collaborate with provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to meet the export target to the Southeast Asian nation.
The prime minister’s approval signals a concerted push to elevate Pakistan’s Halal meat exports and secure a greater share of the lucrative global market.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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