Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the Halal Meat Export Policy and directed officials to submit a comprehensive three-year strategy within two weeks to raise Pakistan’s meat exports.

Chairing a meeting on meat exports and sector reforms, the prime minister said a coordinated plan involving federal ministries and provincial governments was essential to secure a meaningful share in Muslim and global halal markets.

He asked the committee formed to expand halal meat exports to present practical proposals to improve production, cold storage and related infrastructure. He also ordered measures to raise livestock output in line with international standards and remain competitive with regional producers.

The prime minister stressed the urgent need for organised production centres developed jointly by the Centre and provinces to improve output and nutritional value.

Noting strong export potential beyond Muslim countries, he assured full government support for international certification of slaughterhouses and bilateral registrations with importing nations.

He further directed authorities to ensure disease-free conditions and international-standard hygiene at slaughterhouses nationwide, while taking steps to reduce costs to enhance regional competitiveness.

PM Shehbaz also called for adopting globally recognised best practices and establishing special zones and centres for exporting disease-free halal meat.

Officials told the meeting Pakistan produces about 6 million metric tonnes of halal meat annually and, after meeting domestic demand, has substantial exportable surplus. They said steps were under way to increase production and ensure international-standard packaging.

The meeting was attended by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar, and other senior officials.