The halal products are moving into mainstream business and their demand is steadily increasing. Halal products are now seen as a potential engine of economic growth.
Pakistan can assume a leadership role in the global halal food market, being a Muslim country, provided proper strategies are put in place.
Pakistan has the potential to get precious foreign exchange by streamlining the business of halal meat products.
At present, there are 22 halal meat processing plants in the country, out of which 16 are operating in Punjab.
Anis Associates (Pvt.) Limited is one of the most modern halal meat processing and exporting units in Kasur.
This plant has been approved by the governments of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Muslim countries for halal chilled and frozen meat.
“Our processing capacity is 100 M/Ton per day including goat, lamb, sheep, cow bull, camel in chilled and frozen form,” said Nasib Ahmed Saifi, Chief Executive, Anis Associates.
Rising Demand
Nasib Ahmed Saifi mentioned that demand for halal foods is increasing not only in the USA, Europe, and Canada, but also in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and Australia.
Halal consumer markets and trade are growing rapidly worldwide.
Saifi said Pakistan can easily increase halal meat product exports up to US$5 billion.
One of the major issues faced by processors and exporters is gas and electricity load shedding. If uninterrupted supply is ensured, Pakistan can earn much more foreign exchange.
Global Halal Food Market
According to Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life:
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Muslim population (2010): 1.8 billion (28% of total global population of 6.8 billion)
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Over 60% live in Asia, 20% in Middle East & North Africa
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38.1 million Muslims in Europe
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8 million Muslims in USA
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1 million Muslims in Canada
Global halal food market value (2010): US$635 billion (~16% of global food industry)
American halal market: US$17.6 billion (Muslims + non-Muslims who prefer halal for safety and hygiene reasons)
Pakistan’s Export Potential
Anis Associates set up its halal meat plant in 2004 and now exports to Middle East and Central Asian states.
Mr. Saifi praised Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif for promoting halal meat production and livestock farming in the province.
He also highlighted the growth of ethnic stores and restaurants in major metropolitan areas catering to Muslim consumers. Halal certification has now become popular both domestically and for exports — especially to non-Muslim countries.
Ingredients & Processing Standards
Food processors must avoid non-halal ingredients such as:
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Amino acids, animal fats, gelatin, hydrolyzed protein
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Meat & by-products from non-halal sources
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Non-halal flavorings, stabilizers, thickeners, and packaging materials
He emphasized that halal production requires purity, cleanliness, honesty, and social responsibility in every stage of production.
Conclusion
Nasib Ahmed stated:
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The halal food industry is unique as it is the largest industry where religious values are upheld during production and distribution.
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Pakistan, being a Muslim-majority and agrarian economy, is in an advantageous position to secure a significant share of the halal market — but currently has little presence.
