Government launches livestock transformation strategy to expand halal meat exports and strengthen disease-free value chains
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set an ambitious target of increasing its annual meat exports to more than USD700 million by 2028 under a comprehensive strategy designed to transform the livestock sector into a key driver of export-led agricultural growth.
According to official plans, the livestock sector, which comprises a population of more than 250 million animals, is being positioned as a strategic pillar of Pakistan’s agricultural economy and export diversification agenda.
Pakistan’s meat exports have recorded consistent growth over the past decade, rising from USD196 million in 2015 to around USD427 million in 2024. During FY2025, meat exports surpassed USD500 million, reflecting growing international demand for Pakistani halal meat.
Despite this progress, Pakistan currently accounts for less than one per cent of global meat exports, highlighting considerable untapped potential in international markets.
To unlock this potential, the government has launched a wide-ranging reform programme aimed at developing disease-free, traceable and export-oriented meat value chains.
The strategy focuses on improving livestock genetics, strengthening the control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), promoting commercial feedlot farming, expanding cold-chain logistics and increasing exports of frozen and value-added meat products.
The government also plans to diversify export destinations by expanding access to high-growth markets, particularly China and the Gulf region, where demand for certified halal meat continues to increase.
Under the transformation strategy, Pakistan aims to achieve annual growth of around 6 per cent in the meat sector while increasing export earnings from approximately USD500 million to nearly USD700 million by 2028.
To oversee the implementation of the programme, the Prime Minister has constituted the National Meat Transformation and Export Council, which will serve as the apex policy and oversight body for the sector.
The council comprises the chief ministers of all four provinces along with representatives from key federal institutions, including the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), National Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (NAFSA), National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Halal Authority, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), as well as members of the private sector.
According to its terms of reference, the council will approve the national roadmap and annual action plans, set production, export and disease-control targets, harmonise federal and provincial regulations, oversee Foot and Mouth Disease control and livestock traceability systems, facilitate investment in feedlots, meat processing plants and cold-chain infrastructure, coordinate market access negotiations and conduct quarterly reviews of implementation progress.
Officials expect the initiative to modernise Pakistan’s livestock industry, improve compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards, attract greater private investment and significantly enhance the country’s competitiveness in the rapidly expanding global halal meat market.