Poultry sector can drive Pakistan’s economic growth

Poultry sector can drive Pakistan’s economic growth

LAHORE : Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has said Pakistan must build on its macroeconomic stability by accelerating economic growth, expanding industry 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 said the country had achieved economic stability and should now enter a new phase of growth.

“We have achieved stability; now it is time for takeoff,” he said.

The adviser said the government, under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, aims to develop a competitive manufacturing sector, boost exports and create better opportunities for Pakistani businesses to compete in international markets.

He also highlighted the contribution of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to employment generation, livelihoods and economic activity.

Haroon Akhtar described the poultry industry as an important part of Pakistan’s economy and food security. He said a stronger poultry value chain could improve nutrition, support farmers and create new opportunities for businesses.

Representatives of the poultry sector welcomed the government’s focus on economic growth but raised concerns over the high tax burden and its impact on the industry’s competitiveness. They urged the government to provide meaningful tax relief to the sector in the upcoming budget.

Industry representatives also called for government support to improve access to European markets, saying better market access could significantly increase Pakistan’s poultry exports.

Haroon Akhtar assured industry stakeholders that their concerns would be presented before the relevant forums. He said the government would work with the industry to remove barriers to investment, strengthen competitiveness and expand opportunities for Pakistani products in global markets.