Pakistan’s share in global Halal trade just 0.25%

Govt asked to establish Halal development authority

KARACHI: Despite being a Muslim country, Pakistan’s share in the global Halal trade stands at a mere 0.25% which could be increased with the upgrading of Halal certification and provision of Halal storage facility.

This was stated by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senior Vice President Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir while speaking at a seminar at the Federation House.

The aim of the seminar was to discuss the potential and opportunities for Pakistan in the global Halal market. The government was urged to establish the Pakistan Halal Development Authority (PHDA) at the national level for Halal certification and administration of the industry in order to promote Halal products in national and international markets. Nasir emphasised the need for spreading awareness of Halal products in Pakistan as they were not confined to food and beverages only.



“These include pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and a lot more and Pakistanis are not aware of this,” he said. “Hence, educating them about the importance of Halal commodities is necessary to promote such products in our country and at the global level.” He was of the view that the formation of PHDA was the need of the hour for monitoring exports and imports of Halal products.

Moreover, organisations like the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan should also extend their support for the promotion and development of Halal industry.

Former FPCCI president SM Munir stressed that such events should be organised more frequently to create much-needed awareness among local manufacturers and the general public.

The chairman of the Standing Committee on Halal Food regretted that no Muslim country was among top 10 Halal food exporters and Pakistan had failed to grab its due share in the global Halal market which had a size of more than $3 trillion.

“Halal food has gained a larger presence in major European and American fast food chains in recent years; supermarkets and food companies are jumping on the bandwagon to gain a competitive advantage,” he said. “This is just because they are now aware of the fact that Halal food is healthier.”

The seminar was attended by the diplomats of Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Iran, Thailand and representatives of various government organisations.