Pakistan’s first Farm Animal Welfare Conference hosted in Lahore

Pakistan’s first-ever Farm Animal Welfare Conference concluded in Lahore on Wednesday with a strong call for empathy and compassion in animal treatment, urging legal reforms aligned with Islamic teachings, scientific research, and international welfare standards.

Organised by the Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group (PARAG), the one-day event brought together experts from academia, veterinary science, law, agriculture, environmental sectors, and religious institutions.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Dr. Muhammad Arshad.

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Speaking on the occasion, PARAG Chairperson Ayeza Haider emphasized that the summit marks a transformative step toward reshaping public consciousness. “It is time we move beyond viewing animals solely as commodities. Treating them with empathy and compassion should be seen as a hallmark of a truly humane and noble society,” she said.

Other notable attendees included Dr Mazher Ayaz (Vice Chancellor, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur), Dr Muhammad Zahid Farooq (University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang), Islamic scholar Dr Shehzad Saleem, Dr Farhan Farooq (CEO, KK Chicks), environmental expert Dr Saadia Khalid, Dr Hooria Shah, Todd Shea (CDRS), Dr Quratulain, Dr Shehzad Naveed (CEO, Alltech), Dr Akram Munir (former Dean, UVAS), Dr Nasir Mukhtar (Arid Agriculture University), and Rana Muhammad Akram (President, Anjuman-e-Kashtkaran).

Speakers highlighted the multifaceted dimensions of animal welfare, advocating for humane treatment, ethical farming practices, and the need to integrate animal compassion into national values.

The conference declaration voiced deep concern over outdated animal welfare laws in Pakistan and emphasized the urgent need for reforms in animal housing, farming, and slaughtering practices. It also noted a significant lack of training among farmers and slaughterhouse staff.

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Participants unanimously asserted that kindness to animals is not merely a moral obligation but a religious duty, reinforcing that under Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the state is responsible for upholding dignity including that of animals.

Panel discussions addressed a range of critical issues including legislative reform, improved nutrition and housing for animals, Shariah-compliant slaughter methods, protection of native flora and pollinators such as bees, and hands-on farmer education.