KARACHI: Pakistan can unlock USD40-50 billion in Halal exports by shifting from raw material exports to value-added, certified products, speakers said at an exclusive media roundtable for Pakistan Halal Forum 2026 held at a local hotel.
The roundtable, held as a pre-event press briefing for the upcoming Pakistan Halal Forum 2026, was themed “Beyond Compliance: The Next Generation of Halal Innovation.” The briefing brought together key stakeholders from government, private sector and global Halal bodies.
Speaking on the occasion, Asad Sajjad, Chairman Organising Committee, Pakistan Halal Forum 2026, said the forum will position Pakistan as a Global Halal Hub, not just a consumer market. “Despite being the second-largest Muslim population in the world, Pakistan’s share in the USD3 trillion global Halal economy is less than 1 percent. Our goal is to bring government, private sector and global bodies on one platform to unlock Pakistan’s USD40-50 billion export potential, support SMEs and build one National Halal Mark, he said.
He announced that the main Pakistan Halal Forum 2026 will be held in December 2026, with participation expected from over 30 countries, more than 100 exhibitors and international buyers. The forum will follow a public-private partnership model focusing on value addition, investment and export facilitation.
Mufti Zeeshan Abdulaziz, CEO, International Halal Certification (IHC) said Halal is no longer limited to food. “Halal is now a global standard for quality, hygiene and safety. It has moved beyond food to Pharma, Cosmetics, Logistics, Modest Fashion and Tourism. The next generation of Halal is about trust through technology – QR code traceability, Blockchain verification and AI-based audit,” he said.
He said IHC’s global accreditation is accepted in GCC, Malaysia and Indonesia, which will help Pakistani products gain international market access.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026