Livestock Sector Holds Key to Pakistan’s Export Growth: Tahir Ayub

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Pakistan’s livestock and meat sector has the potential to become one of the country’s strongest pillars of economic growth, export diversification, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings, provided it is supported through progressive policies, technological innovation, value addition, and compliance with international quality standards. This was emphasized at a seminar on the “Future of Livestock and Meat Business” organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in collaboration with Signature Skills and Certifications.
Addressing the seminar, Acting President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tahir Ayub, said that Pakistan is blessed with enormous livestock resources and possesses all the ingredients required to become a leading exporter of halal meat. However, he observed that the sector has yet to realize its true potential due to structural challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and limited adoption of modern technologies.
He said that greater investment in value-added meat processing, cold chain logistics, traceability systems, research, innovation, and internationally recognized certifications would significantly enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global halal meat market. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to serving as a bridge between the government and the private sector to facilitate policy reforms and promote sustainable growth of the livestock and meat industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Brig.( Retd) Adil Ashraf Naveed, CEO of Fauji Meat Limited, said that livestock is one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s economy and has the capacity to become a major source of export earnings if supported through modern processing facilities, quality assurance, and market-oriented policies. He noted that despite its vast livestock population, Pakistan continues to face challenges including outdated farming practices, inadequate cold chain infrastructure, limited value addition, rising production costs, and difficulties in meeting international compliance requirements. Addressing these issues, he said, is essential for unlocking the sector’s full export potential.
Dr. Shehzad Jadoon, CEO/Director of Alltech Pakistan (Private) Limited, highlighted the importance of scientific livestock management, balanced animal nutrition, and modern farming practices in enhancing productivity and profitability. He emphasized that investment in research, technology, and farmer capacity building is indispensable for producing premium-quality meat capable of competing successfully in international markets.
Peerzada Wajid Hussain Shah, former WTO Chief and Policy Analyst, said Pakistan enjoys a natural comparative advantage in livestock production but has yet to capitalize on emerging opportunities in global meat trade. He stressed the need to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary compliance, establish effective traceability systems, obtain internationally recognized certifications, and ensure consistency in trade policies to enable exporters to penetrate high-value international markets.
Raja Tahir Lateef, CEO of Signature Meat, said the steadily growing global demand for halal meat presents Pakistan with a remarkable opportunity to increase its exports. He emphasized that investment in modern slaughterhouses, processing facilities, branding, packaging, cold storage, and efficient logistics, along with the development of a skilled workforce, is vital for building a globally competitive meat industry.
Earlier, Sajjad Hussain Langrial, Chairman ICCI Standing Committee on Meat and Livestock, who moderated the session, welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the seminar. He said the event was aimed at bringing together policymakers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and exporters to deliberate on practical strategies for modernizing Pakistan’s livestock and meat sector and maximizing its contribution to the national economy.
In his vote of thanks, ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry appreciated the distinguished speakers for sharing their valuable insights and thanked the participants for their enthusiastic engagement. He reiterated ICCI’s commitment to organizing more knowledge-sharing forums to promote innovation, investment, and public-private collaboration for the development of key sectors of the economy.
The seminar was attended by a large number of entrepreneurs, exporters, livestock farmers, processors, and members of the business community. Among those present were ICCI Executive Members Waseem Chaudhry, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Imran Minhas, and Ishaq Sial, former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry, senior members Israr Mishwani and Sajid Iqbal, along with many other prominent stakeholders from the livestock and meat industry.