Punjab government turns to private slaughterhouses

In a bid to prevent illegal slaughtering and ensure the supply of healthy meat to citizens, the Punjab government has decided to shift reliance from government-run facilities to private, modern slaughterhouses.

According to officials, private investors interested in setting up such facilities will be registered, while government-appointed veterinary doctors will oversee operations.

Violations will carry heavy fines and possible imprisonment.

Officials said the decision was prompted by the alarming situation in Lahore, where illegal slaughtering and the sale of meat from dead or sick animals is reportedly widespread due to the lack of slaughterhouse facilities.

With the city's population exceeding 15 million, only one official slaughterhouse exists on Shahpur Kanjran, Multan Road. Previously, Lahore had three such facilities, but instead of expanding capacity, only one modern facility was built decades ago, forcing many butchers to slaughter animals at homes or shops, often selling meat from sick or weak animals.

ssUnder the new plan, several modern private slaughterhouses will be established in Lahore. Interested companies will be registered, and over 90 veterinary doctors and meat specialists will be recruited soon. At these facilities, animals will undergo initial health inspections before slaughter and post-mortem examinations afterward to ensure the meat is safe for consumption. Any diseased meat will be barred from sale.

The Punjab Local Government, Livestock Department, and Punjab Food Authority have started consultations to finalise the policy. Director General Punjab Food Authority Asim Javed said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed departments to ensure the supply of safe meat across the province.

"Legislation will also be introduced. With the cooperation of the private sector, modern slaughterhouses will be established, staffed with specialists and veterinary doctors. Both pre-slaughter and post-slaughter inspections will be carried out, and only healthy meat will reach the market," he added.

Experts have expressed mixed reactions. Veterinary specialist Asif Sahi welcomed the move, saying that if implemented properly, it could eliminate illegal slaughtering and ensure healthy meat supply across Punjab.

However, another expert, Muhammad Saleem, warned that without proper packaging and monitoring, illegal slaughtering could persist.

The DG Punjab Food Authority further stated that strict laws against food adulteration are also being prepared, which will make adulteration a non-bailable offence with heavy fines and strict punishments to curb the practice.

AFZAAL TALIB