Report: Hurish Shah FT:
ISLAMABAD — The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has called for the immediate launch of the Islamabad Safe Milk City pilot and stronger legislation to regulate Pakistan’s dairy sector in line with international standards.
The demand was made at a Dairy Round Table Conference on “Dairy Sector Reforms” held at FPCCI Capital House, Islamabad, with Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain attending as chief guest.
Welcoming participants, Karim Aziz Malik, Chairman/In-charge FPCCI Capital Office, said the dairy sector was vital to Pakistan’s economy. He noted that a safe, formal and competitive dairy industry could improve farmers’ incomes, protect public health and create new export opportunities.
Addressing the conference, Rana Tanveer Hussain said safe and nutritious milk was essential for national food security and public health, while recognising the dairy sector’s contribution to the livelihoods of millions of rural families.
Dr Shehzad Amin, Convener of the FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Dairy and Dairy Products and Chief Operating Officer of the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA), said more than eight million rural families depended on livestock, which contributed around 35 to 40 per cent of their income.
He said Pakistan’s annual consumer milk market was estimated at Rs8.2 trillion, while the formal sector accounted for only Rs372 billion, leaving a substantial share in the informal market. He stressed that formalisation, improved quality controls and a level playing field were essential for sustainable industry growth.
Dr Amin also cited a University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) study, according to which 92 per cent of loose milk samples failed to meet quality and safety standards. He called for effective regulation, improved traceability and wider access to safe and nutritious milk.
The conference highlighted farmer welfare, improved livestock productivity, foreign investment and export growth as key pillars of dairy sector reform. Participants emphasised that better animal health services, balanced feed, genetic improvement and modern processing facilities could enhance milk yields and strengthen Pakistan’s export potential.
Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Agriculture and Food Security Ahmed Umair highlighted the government’s focus on farmer welfare, livestock productivity and food security. FPCCI Policy Advisory Board Chairman Mian Zahid Hussain stressed the need for consistent policies and a level playing field to attract investment.
The conference identified two immediate priorities: strengthening and enforcing safe milk legislation in line with international benchmarks and launching the Islamabad Safe Milk City pilot without delay.
According to the conference brief, Islamabad has a population of around 2.4 million, consumes approximately 700,000 litres of milk daily and has 3,992 milk operators. The proposed pilot aims to improve milk testing and traceability, bring operators into the formal economy and reduce milk-borne illnesses, with clearly defined responsibilities for the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Food Authority.
It was agreed that a joint working group comprising FPCCI, PDA, CDA and the Islamabad Food Authority would be formed under the leadership of Rana Tanveer Hussain to advance the pilot. FPCCI will also forward the conference recommendations to the federal government for consideration and action.
The conference was attended by former FPCCI president Zubair Ahmed Malik, former FPCCI vice president Mian Shaukat Masood, Dr Afshan Malik, Chairperson of Sindhu Social Welfare Trust, Haji Nasir Mahmood, Group Leader of GTCCI, Malik Mazhar Iqbal, President of GTCCI, Shameem Aftab, Convener of the FPCCI Standing Committee on Government Liaison, and other business representatives, dairy processors, farmer associations and government officials.
At the conclusion, Karim Aziz Malik presented the FPCCI crest to the chief guest.
