Gulf states, Southeast Asian nations: Punjab can export up to 300,000 vaccinated livestock: minister
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Shah said on Monday that the province is in a position to export up to 300,000 vaccinated livestock to Gulf countries and Southeast Asian nations, particularly Malaysia.
The provincial minister stated this during a meeting with Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production.
Both officials discussed the development of the agriculture and livestock sectors as well as enhanced coordination between the federation and the provinces to foster the agriculture development, especially the livestock sector, which contributes to over 60 percent of Pakistan’s agricultural GDP, making it a critical economic pillar.
The provincial minister said that currently, at least 300,000 traceable livestock, including goats, sheep, and cattle, are available in the province for export, and the provincial government was making all-out efforts to enhance livestock production in the province. The provincial minister said that the Punjab government, up to now, has already distributed some 30,000 tractors among the farmers in the province, while an additional 20,000 will soon be provided.
Besides exporting livestock, Pakistan is also exporting meat and meat products to the Gulf nations, and Malaysia signed an agreement with Pakistan in 2025 for importing Pakistani meat to cater to local demand.
The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, Punjab’s Provincial Secretaries for Agriculture and Livestock, and the CEO of the Engineering Development Board. During the meeting, both sides discussed ongoing initiatives in Punjab’s agriculture and livestock sectors, their outcomes, and future strategies to further strengthen these key areas of the economy.
Haroon said that, in line with the directions of the prime minister, the government is committed to empowering the agriculture and livestock sectors to enhance exports and support economic growth. He highlighted that a comprehensive meat policy has been prepared, which will help increase meat exports and contribute to strengthening the national economy.
SAPM shared that the Ministry of Industries and Production will introduce a National Tractor Policy after thorough consultation with all stakeholders. The policy will focus on promoting agricultural mechanisation, harvesting solutions, and local manufacturing of tractors.
He emphasised that enhancing the use of machinery in agriculture is the need of the hour, and a dedicated policy will also be formulated to support the local production of harvesters.
The SAPM appreciated the initiatives taken by the chief minister of Punjab for the promotion of agriculture and livestock, noting that these efforts are yielding positive results. He reiterated that agriculture and livestock remain among the top priorities of the current government.
Haroon assured that the federal government will extend full support to provinces in enhancing meat exports and strengthening linkages with international markets. He also announced that a meeting of commercial attachés and relevant stakeholders will be held next week in coordination with the Punjab government to further streamline export facilitation.
The SAPM emphasised that effective coordination and consultation between the federal and provincial governments are essential for the successful implementation of policies and achieving sustainable growth in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026