Pakistani Livestock Delegation visited Turkiye on the direction of the Prime Minister
On the special directive of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a Pakistani Livestock delegation visited Türkiye to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the livestock sector. During the visit, discussions were held on key matters concerning the overall development of the livestock sector, including the control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), vaccine technology, genetic improvement of livestock, and modern breeding and reproductive technologies
Livestock Delegation
The delegation, led by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Food Security, Ahmed Umair, included: Col (R) Abdul Rehman Qureshi, Director of Livestock for the Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI); Dr. Muhammad Farooq Tareen, Director General (Livestock) for Balochistan; Dr. Asal Khan, Director General (Livestock) for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Dr. Shahroz Ahmed Siddiqui, Senior Research Officer at the Vaccine Production Unit (Tando Jam) of the Sindh Livestock Department; and Dr. Sajjad Hussain, Director General (Research) of the Punjab Livestock Department.
وزیر اعظم نے لائیوسٹاک بورڈ کی تنظیم نو کی منظوری دے دی
Collaboration on FMD Control and other Aspects
The primary objective of the visit was to operationalize ongoing and proposed cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye in the livestock sector. In this regard, discussions with Turkish institutions focused on FMD control, the establishment of FMD-free zones, vaccine production, enhancement of technical capacity, and the strengthening of modern disease control systems in Pakistan.
The proposed collaboration encompasses the establishment of a National FMD Reference Laboratory in Pakistan, the upgrading of existing vaccine production facilities, and the transfer of technology to facilitate the production of FMD vaccines in accordance with international standards.
FMD Control Strategy under EU funded GRASP Project for Sindh
Livestock Delegation Visit of Turkish Institutes
During visits to the SAP Institute in Ankara, the International Center for Livestock Training and Research in Ankara, and other institutions, discussions were held with experts regarding the identification of FMD virus strains and sub-strains, vaccine technology, world-class training for Pakistani experts, and technical cooperation for FMD control.
Furthermore, focus was placed on collaboration in the fields of advanced breeding, reproductive technologies, and genetic improvement. Joint initiatives for the genetic conservation and enhancement of indigenous breeds—including the Nili-Ravi buffalo, as well as Sahiwal, Cholistani, and Red Sindhi cattle—were also considered.
لیئر فارمنگ: ہائی سیکس وائیٹ لیئر کی پاکستان میں فراہمی، لانچنگ تقریبات کا اہتمام
Future and Action Plan
It was agreed to establish a Joint Technical Working Group, nominate technical focal persons from both countries, plan a phased implementation process, and develop pilot projects. Additionally, an agreement was reached to foster cooperation between relevant institutions in both countries and to propose Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). During the visit, tours of private-sector livestock entities and farms were also conducted.
