Meeting reviews Livestock sector reforms in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th May, 2026) Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Religious Affairs Malik Iftikhar has said that practical measures are being taken under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to promote the livestock sector, modern farming systems, value addition, processing, and meat exports.

He expressed these views while chairing a consultative meeting on the development of the livestock sector. Malik Iftikhar said the Punjab government has introduced revolutionary reforms in the livestock sector and is implementing a comprehensive strategy to modernize the industry under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He stated that unprecedented attention is being given to the sector compared to the past in order to strengthen and make the rural economy self-sufficient.

The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary (Technical) Sheikh Usman Tahir, Director General (Extension) Dr. Syed Nadeem Badr, Director General Production Dr. Kanwar Naeem, Director Livestock Rawalpindi Dr. Naveed Sehar Zaidi, officials of the Livestock Department, and representatives of livestock farms.

Malik Iftikhar said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, the livestock department’s budget has been increased from Rs5 billion to Rs40 billion to align the sector with modern requirements. He added that the provision of interest-free loans and dairy milking machines to small farmers is helping improve their production capacity.

He further said that the Punjab government is focusing on value addition, dairy exports, and the promotion of modern processing systems to further strengthen the national economy.

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Briefing the meeting, Director General (Extension) Dr. Syed Nadeem Badr said work is underway on a project to expand livestock numbers from 300,000 to 600,000 animals. He urged farmers to submit maximum applications to benefit from government schemes.

He added that several new schemes for the livestock sector are being introduced in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, which will directly benefit farmers.

Additional Secretary (Technical) Sheikh Usman Tahir said the Punjab government is allocating historic funds for the sector and taking serious measures to modernize it.

Director General Production Dr. Kanwar Naeem said a comprehensive strategy is being implemented to promote modern dairy farming, breed improvement, and meat and milk processing. He added that the use of modern technology is helping develop the livestock sector according to international standards.

Director Livestock Rawalpindi Dr. Naveed Sehar Zaidi said effective measures are being taken in Rawalpindi Division to ensure farmers receive the benefits of government schemes at their doorstep. He added that programs for disease prevention, vaccination, and technical guidance are also being carried out effectively.

During the meeting, participants discussed various proposals and plans aimed at sustainable development of the livestock sector, modern processing, value addition, and increasing exports.