The government has pledged to support exporters in overcoming major obstacles in Pakistan’s meat export sector. The commitment came during a high-level meeting chaired by Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries & Production.
Senior officials, including Secretary Industries & Production Saif Anjum, and key representatives from the public and private sectors attended the meeting. The discussion mainly focused on removing bottlenecks to help exporters tap into the lucrative Malaysian market.
Exporters Highlight Major Challenges
Exporters outlined several pressing issues affecting their global competitiveness. They pointed out the poor quality of animal feed and breed limitations as major production concerns. High production costs are also a problem.
They revealed that India exports meat at USD 3.50 per kg, while Pakistan’s cost stands at around USD 5 per kg. Currently, Pakistan is exporting meat to Tajikistan at this higher rate.
Another major issue is the lack of cold-chain facilities, especially at airports. Exporters shared that they are often forced to store meat in vehicles due to insufficient cold storage infrastructure.
They also criticized the limited banking support, saying they often have to rely on cash payments in cattle markets. Additionally, regulatory and documentation hurdles continue to delay export processes.
Government Recognizes Issues and Promises Action
Haroon Akhtar Khan acknowledged these concerns and assured exporters of immediate government action. He emphasized that Pakistani meat is of superior quality and has the potential to compete in international markets if operational bottlenecks are resolved. He stated:
“The government is committed to addressing the issues faced by exporters. We will ensure better facilities and support to help the industry grow.”
The government plans to address cold-chain gaps, improve feed and livestock quality, simplify documentation, and facilitate banking services to strengthen the sector.
Focus on Malaysian Market
The Malaysian market emerged as a key export destination during the meeting. By resolving structural challenges, Pakistan aims to position itself as a reliable meat supplier to Malaysia and beyond.
This move signals a strong policy push to enhance Pakistan’s agro-livestock exports, improve competitiveness, and unlock new markets for local exporters.