Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan can earn precious foreign exchange by exploiting the international market of Halal meat. He said that a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse has been set up at Shahpur Kanjran for providing fresh and hygienic meat to the people of the provincial metropolis.
He said that 3.5 million animals will be slaughtered in this slaughterhouse annually which is equipped with the latest technology and besides fulfilling the local needs it will also make it possible to export certified Halal meat of international standard to Malaysia, Middle East, Europe and other countries. Similarly, he said, the slaughterhouse will especially benefit local livestock sector as well as promote the trend of cattle farming.
He was addressing the Board meeting of Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company (PAMCO), here on Friday. Minister for Agriculture Ahmad Ali Aulakh, Advocate General Punjab Ashtar Ausaf Ali, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Agriculture, Livestock, Finance and Law Departments, District Co-ordination Officer Lahore and members of Board of Directors of PAMCO were present.
The meeting reviewed the project of slaughterhouse and supply of healthy and hygienic meat of international standard to the people. The Chief Minister said that the trade of Halal items has become an industry of billions of dollars annually and is continuously expanding.
He said that the demand of Halal items in different countries of the world is increasing day by day and Pakistani investors can introduce themselves at international level through supply of fresh and quality products in this growing market. He said that Halal meat has been exported to Malaysia from Punjab first time in the national history, therefore, local investors and exporters should benefit from the increasing opportunities in Halal food industry through continuous hard work and dedication.
The Chief Minister further said that the slaughterhouse of Shahpur Kanjran can be operated in two shifts and 500 large animals and 6000 small animals can be slaughtered under scientific conditions in one shift. He said that Punjab government has done away with the old and obsolete system of slaughtering of animals and set-up a slaughterhouse of international standard. He said that this slaughterhouse is a benchmark of Punjab government in the livestock sector of the country and also has international certification in Halal industry. He said that Meat Technology Institute has also been established with the collaboration of University of Veterinary & Health Sciences for establishing meat industry on scientific lines. He said that this institute will produce highly qualified experts for harmonising the meat industry with the demands of the modern age.
The CM further said that provincial government is strengthening national economy through development of livestock sector. He said that investment in livestock sector will help eliminate unemployment besides development of this sector as industry will increase exports of the country. He said that livestock sector can bring prosperity to the people and especially benefit rural economy. The meeting also decided to appoint the new Chief Executive Officer of PAMCO while a four members committee headed by Secretary Livestock will manage the slaughterhouse for the time-being.
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