Reviving PVMC: Working group to modernise livestock handling capabilities

Recommendations sought from all provinces on enhancing milk and meat production

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to revive the premier veterinarian council of the country and to bring it at par with international standards. For this purpose, the government has sought recommendations from the federal interprovincial ministry.

In light of instructions issued by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the interprovincial ministry has told the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) that a new working group will be set up which will help modernise the country’s livestock handling capabilities.

This working group will include representatives from all the provinces who will present their suggestions for enhancing the quality and quantity of milk and meat production in the country.

A PVMC spokesperson told Daily Express that once the provincial members provide their recommendations, they will be sent to the council for further deliberations.

“Our job is to serve as a bridge between the provinces and the federation and maintain a smooth flow in their communication,” he said.

The PVMC had been established in 1999 through an act of parliament. The department initially operated under the food, agriculture and livestock ministry. But in 2007, when the ministry for livestock and dairy development was set up, the control of PVMC was given to this ministry.

In 2011, after the 18th amendment was passed, livestock and dairy development were declared as provincial subjects. Subsequently, the federal ministry for livestock and dairy development was dissolved. The PVMC thus came to be under the control of the interprovincial coordination ministry so that standardized veterinary practices based could be ensured.

The PVMC could register and issue standardized veterinary licences to the veterinarians who had graduated from approved institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2018.