Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Wednesday met a delegation of the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) to discuss the challenges being faced by the dairy sector and explore potential solutions.
The PM aide highlighted that Pakistan was among the world's largest milk-producing countries with annual production of over 70 million tons, said a statement. However, he emphasised the need for further development of dairy farming and milk processing industries to improve quality standards and reduce production costs.
One of the key topics of discussion was the impact of 18% general sales tax (GST) on packaged milk. The special assistant said the tax had caused an increase in milk prices, affecting both producers and consumers.
PDA members urged the government to reconsider the taxation policy for packaged milk and advocated a reduction in the GST rate to ensure a steady supply of milk at affordable prices to consumers while propping up the dairy industry.
Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed that without increased investment in the dairy sector, the achievement of self-sufficiency in food production would not be possible.
He assured the delegation that the government was committed to addressing the challenges affecting the industry and would continue engaging with the relevant stakeholders to find effective solutions.
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