PM approves duty free livestock imports to support export oriented farms | Pakistan Livestock Exports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a new plan to transform Pakistan’s livestock sector into a more organized, corporate-based industry and expand Pakistan livestock exports. Under the plan, specialized livestock farms will be established to rear imported, high-quality and high-yielding animals for export. However, the government will allow duty free livestock imports for these farms.
Specialized farms to target livestock exports and Duty Free Livestock Imports
Chairing a high-level meeting on livestock sector reforms, the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to involve private-sector experts in designing and implementing reforms.
He called for establishing dedicated farms for export-oriented livestock production. These farms will bring in superior breeds from abroad and rear them specifically for export markets. In addition, these will be duty free livestock imports.
To maintain control over the imported animals, the prime minister directed authorities to introduce a modern tagging system. The system will help track the animals and ensure their eventual export.
Corporate restructuring of livestock sector and
Shehbaz Sharif also called for a corporate restructuring of the livestock sector. He said the government should benefit from the experience and expertise available in the private sector.
The prime minister highlighted the sector’s major economic role, noting that livestock accounts for more than 60 percent of the country’s agricultural sector. He said Pakistan has considerable potential to expand livestock-related exports.
FMD eradication plan ordered and Livestock Exports
The prime minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for eliminating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) from the country.
The plan, along with clear targets, should be submitted within two weeks. He also directed the Ministry of National Food Security to coordinate with provincial governments to control and eliminate livestock diseases. Due to FMD control, livestock exports will increase.
International standards for slaughterhouses
The prime minister ordered the international certification of slaughterhouses across the country. He also called for independent third-party validation to verify compliance with international standards.
He stressed the need to strengthen the entire livestock and meat value chain. According to him, improvements from animal production to processing and export are essential for developing the industry.
The prime minister also asked officials to set specific targets for meat, livestock and related exports and present them for consideration.
Livestock sector worth Rs 5.5 trillion
The meeting reviewed the current position and future potential of Pakistan’s livestock sector. Officials also presented proposals for increasing production and exports.
According to the briefing, Pakistan has around 245 million livestock with an estimated value of Rs 5.5 trillion. The sector contributes 14.97 percent to the national economy and 63.6 percent to the agricultural economy.
Pakistan currently produces around 74.69 million tons of milk and 6.31 million tons of meat annually.
Small-scale farming limits export potential
The meeting was informed that nearly 8 million rural families depend on livestock for their livelihoods.
However, small-scale farming and a fragmented supply chain continue to limit the sector’s ability to reach its full export potential.
Officials said Pakistan could significantly increase its meat exports. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, meat exports stood at approximately $530 million.
Gulf countries remain major Pakistan Livestock Exports markets
Gulf countries remain the major destinations for Pakistani meat. These include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
Halal Meat Exporters and Meat Processors in Pakistan
However, officials identified Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, China and other countries as promising markets for future expansion.
Government expands export infrastructure and duty free livestock imports to boost Pakistan Livestock Exports
The meeting also reviewed government measures aimed at strengthening livestock and meat exports.
These include a national programme for animal disease surveillance, disease prevention and animal traceability. The government is also working on the establishment of FMD-free zones and compartments.
In addition, the government is introducing digital systems to monitor vaccinations and animal diseases.
Officials also highlighted the development of export-grade farms and international health and Halal certification systems.
Furthermore, the government is promoting feedlot farming, cold-chain facilities, de-boning, value-added meat products and export infrastructure.
The government has set a target to further increase meat exports by 2028.
Senior officials attend meeting
Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahsan Iqbal, Dr. Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Attaullah Tarar attended the meeting.
Prime Minister’s Advisor Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials were also present.
