A meeting was held to address issues related to Pakistan’s halal meat exports to Malaysia, following reports of concerns about the quality of exported products. The session was chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, with Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, senior officials from relevant ministries, and representatives from the private sector in attendance.
Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of Pakistan’s meat export industry and gaining access to high-value international markets. He noted that the Prime Minister had directed the committee to formulate a comprehensive policy addressing both short-term export challenges and long-term structural reforms in the livestock and meat sectors.
The Minister stated that Malaysia presents a promising opportunity for Pakistan’s meat industry, provided the country effectively manages price competitiveness, quality standards, and supply consistency. The upcoming policy will focus on disease control, halal certification, and infrastructure development through collaboration with provincial governments and the private sector.
During the briefing, Haroon Akhtar Khan revealed that Pakistan’s current export potential to Malaysia stands at approximately USD 200 million. However, realizing this potential requires immediate action to overcome barriers such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and lifting the ban on bone-in meat exports. He noted that Pakistani exporters face a competitive disadvantage, as Indian exporters are permitted to export bone-in meat, while Pakistan is restricted to boneless exports due to disease concerns.
Haroon Akhtar proposed a two-phase strategy:
- Short-term report – outlining immediate measures within four days to achieve the USD 200 million export target.
- Long-term policy framework – a comprehensive plan within ten days to guide the sustainable development of Pakistan’s meat export sector.
Rana Tanveer Hussain assured full cooperation from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to improve disease control and livestock quality. He highlighted progress in FMD control and feedlot fattening programs in Punjab, with plans to expand these efforts to other provinces.
To ensure effective coordination and follow-up, four specialized committees have been established focusing on:
- Disease control
- Breed improvement
- Feedlot fattening
- Export facilitation and support measures
The meeting also considered involving the Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure halal certification and compliance with international standards. Given Karachi’s strategic importance in meat exports, the Sindh government will also be engaged in the process.
Concluding the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan directed all ministries and stakeholders to submit their inputs and recommendations within the stipulated time. He reiterated the government’s commitment to research-based planning, public-private partnerships, and strong compliance mechanisms to position Pakistan as a reliable global supplier of premium halal meat.
