Pakistan: Chief Minister says Halal meat export can fetch billions

LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan can earn billions of dollars annually through the export of Halal meat whose demand is growing at the international level with every passing day.

The CM said this while addressing the board meeting of Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company (PAMCO), here Friday. Minister for Agriculture Ahmad Ali Aulakh, Advocate General Punjab Ashtar Ausaf Ali, and other officials concerned were present. The meeting reviewed the project of slaughterhouse and supply of healthy and hygienic meat of international standard to the people.

Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistani investors could well introduce themselves in the international market in the export of Halal meat for which the Punjab government had ensured vast opportunities in addition to setting up a state-of-the-art slaughter house in Shapur Kanjran where arrangements had been made for fresh and hygienic meat. He said 35 lakh animals would be slaughtered in this slaughterhouse annually which was equipped with the latest technology and besides fulfilling the local needs it will also make it possible to export certified Halal meat of international standard to Malaysia, Middle East, Europe and other countries. Similarly, he said, the slaughterhouse would especially benefit local livestock sector as well as promote the trend of cattle farming.

The chief minister said Halal meat had been exported to Malaysia from Punjab first time in the national history, therefore, local investors and exporters should benefit from the increasing opportunities in Halal food industry.

The CM further said the slaughterhouse of Shahpur Kanjran could be operated in two shifts and 500 large animals and 6,000 small animals could be slaughtered under scientific conditions in one shift. He said this slaughterhouse also had international certification in Halal industry. He said Meat Technology Institute had also been established with the collaboration of University of Veterinary & Health Sciences for establishing meat industry on scientific lines. He said this institute would produce highly qualified experts for harmonising the meat industry with the demands of the modern age.

“The provincial government is strengthening national economy through development of livestock sector. The investment in livestock sector will help eliminate unemployment besides development of this sector as industry will increase exports of the country,” the CM maintained.

The meeting also decided to the appoint the new Chief Executive Officer of PAMCO while a four members committee headed by Secretary Livestock will manage the slaughterhouse for the time-being.