Brief
Pakistan approves duty‑free livestock imports to spur meat exports
The plan includes corporate restructuring, disease‑free zones and export‑grade farms.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a plan on Monday to allow duty‑free imports of high‑yield livestock for specialised re‑export farms, the Daily Times reported.
What happened
At a high‑level review meeting on livestock reforms, Sharif directed the creation of corporate‑style farms that would import superior‑breed animals, rear them and export the meat duty‑free. He also called for a modern tagging system to track exported animals and for international certification of slaughterhouses.
What the reports add
The Daily Times noted that the livestock sector accounts for 14.97% of Pakistan’s GDP and 63.6% of its agricultural output, with roughly 245 million animals valued at Rs 5.5 trillion. Meat exports in FY 2025‑26 were about $530 million, mainly to Gulf states, while Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and China are seen as new markets.
What was said
Sharif told the meeting that a comprehensive plan with targets to eradicate Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease would be drafted within two weeks and that the Ministry of National Food Security should work with provinces on disease control.
How it came about
Earlier Felo coverage highlighted global agricultural challenges, such as the Farm Aid festival’s focus on family farms, underscoring the relevance of Pakistan’s effort to modernise its livestock sector.
Key facts
- Pakistan will allow duty‑free imports of high‑yield livestock for re‑export farms. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Livestock contributes 14.97% of national GDP and 63.6% of agricultural GDP. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Meat exports in FY 2025‑26 were about $530 million, mainly to Gulf countries. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “PM approves duty-free livestock imports to boost farm exports”
