Poultry industry can drive Pakistan’s economic growth: Haroon Akhtar Khan

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has said Pakistan’s poultry sector can play an important role in accelerating economic growth expanding industrial activity and increasing exports.

LAHORE, October 8: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has said Pakistan’s poultry sector can play an important role in accelerating economic growth expanding industrial activity and increasing exports.

Speaking to the media and addressing the inaugural session of the International Poultry Expo 2026 at the Expo Center Lahore, Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan had achieved macroeconomic stability and should now focus on moving towards a new phase of sustainable growth.

He said the government’s priority under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is to develop a competitive manufacturing sector strengthen exports and provide businesses with an environment that enables them to compete effectively in international markets.

The adviser also emphasized the importance of small and medium-sized businesses in creating jobs supporting household incomes and expanding economic opportunities across the country.

Highlighting the poultry sector’s wider significance he said the industry was important not only for economic and industrial development but also for food and nutrition security. A stronger poultry value chain he added could improve access to nutrition, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and create new opportunities for businesses.

Representatives of the poultry industry welcomed the government’s focus on economic expansion but drew attention to several challenges facing the sector. In particular they raised concerns about the high tax burden and its impact on the competitiveness of Pakistani poultry businesses.

Industry representatives urged the government to consider meaningful tax relief for the sector in the upcoming budget.

They also called for government support in securing greater access for Pakistani poultry exporters to European markets. Improved access they said could help the industry tap into significant export opportunities.

Haroon Akhtar Khan assured industry stakeholders that their concerns would be presented at relevant government forums. He said the government would work with the sector to remove obstacles to investment improve competitiveness and expand international market opportunities for Pakistani products.