This is apropos a letter to the Editor carried by the newspaper on Thursday and yesterday.
There are, however, serious obstacles to overcome. Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains a major concern for livestock trade, and the prime minister’s instruction to prepare an eradication plan within two weeks is therefore important. But eradication requires sustained vaccination, surveillance, movement controls and credible disease reporting over time. The development of internationally recognised disease-free zones and compartments must be supported by rigorous monitoring and verification. Export markets impose animal-health requirements for good reason, and Pakistan cannot expect to expand access without demonstrating consistent compliance.
Breeding quality presents another challenge. The proposed import of superior-breed livestock may help specialised farms meet particular export requirements, but pedigree, traceability and animal performance must be documented and verified. International buyers require confidence in the origin, health and quality of animals and meat products. Reliable identification systems, breeding records, veterinary certification and internationally acceptable slaughtering and processing standards must therefore become integral to the industry’s development. The proposed tagging system is a useful beginning, provided it is implemented effectively and remains auditable.
SALMA SHAHID (Rawalpindi)
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026