Pakistan mulls lifting ban on livestock export

Islamabad: Pakistan is likely to lift the ban on the commercial export of sheep and goats imposed more than a decade back, mainly responding to the demand from Gulf countries.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has finalised the summary in this regard and sought permission from the federal cabinet to undo the decision taken in 2009.

The Executive Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has considered the matter and agreed to lift the ban on live animal export. According to the summary, several domestic investors have already started small- to medium-scale feedlot fattening farms, which are expected to create a surplus of goats and sheep in the coming years.

“The MNFS&R has also approached various countries for investment in feedlot fattening farms of small and large ruminants, and serious interest has been shown by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE,” it added.