Islamabad: After more than ten years of restrictions, Pakistan is ready to resume exporting cattle to Gulf nations. Due to a surge in demand from Gulf countries, the government is about to abolish the ban on the commercial export of live sheep and goats
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) completed a proposal to lift the prohibition and submitted it to the federal cabinet for approval. The decision was made in response to the approval of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Executive Committee, which acknowledged the increasing interest of both local and foreign investors in Pakistan’s livestock industry.
Several domestic investors have already established feedlot fattening farms, expected to produce a surplus of livestock in the coming years. Gulf countries have also shown serious interest in investing in these farms, further boosting export potential.
Pakistan has strong potential to meet the growing demand from Gulf markets.
Livestock remains a crucial part of Pakistan’s economy, contributing 14.5% to the national GDP and representing over 60% of the agricultural value added in 2023-24. With over 8 million rural families reliant on livestock farming for their livelihoods, reopening export markets is expected to uplift rural communities and create new investment opportunities.
The livestock sector in Pakistan boasts an inventory of 224.7 million animals, including 32.7 million sheep and 87 million goats, alongside cattle, buffaloes, and camels. In 2023-24, the sector produced approximately 70 million tonnes of milk and 3.447 million tonnes of meat, underscoring its potential to meet both domestic and international demand.
The ban, initially imposed to curb smuggling and price instability in the domestic market, is now set to be lifted due to improved anti-smuggling measures and market stabilization. Once approved by the federal cabinet, Pakistan’s livestock sector is poised for exponential growth, especially with Gulf nations eager to import high-quality livestock from the country.
This decision marks a significant step forward for Pakistan’s agricultural industry, paving the way for new export revenues and bolstering economic growth in rural areas.