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BAHAWALPUR, Jul 10 (APP):Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani has said the livestock sector has the potential to transform the economy of Cholistan and Pakistan.
He stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is particularly focused on boosting halal meat exports through the development of the livestock industry. Reflecting this priority, the Punjab government has allocated Rs. 2.54 billion in the new budget for 14 development projects aimed at strengthening the livestock sector in South Punjab.
He expressed these views during his visit to the Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, where he inaugurated a newly constructed seminar hall and also inspected the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Animal Farm. He was accompanied by Special Secretary Livestock South Punjab Asad Naeem and Vice Chancellor Dr Mazhar Ayaz.
Rabbani further informed that a dedicated initiative is underway to declare Bahawalnagar district free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease, with an investment of Rs. 780 million. He termed this initiative a key milestone in expanding meat exports. Highlighting the potential, he said the global halal meat market is worth $8 billion annually, yet Pakistan’s contribution remains negligible, while India earns billions each year through its meat exports.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Cholistan University into a prestigious centre of excellence. Plans include shifting the campus to solar energy, increasing faculty strength, and resolving water supply issues.
During the briefing, Vice Chancellor Dr Mazhar Ayaz shared that the university is actively promoting research on desert animal breeds and working on genetic improvement programs for animal reproduction. He proudly stated that Cholistan University is the first institution in the world to successfully develop a Mastistis Vaccine for the camel disease.
The briefing also highlighted that efforts are underway to enhance meat and milk production in line with national food security objectives. Spanning 1,000 acres, the university currently hosts eight academic departments with an enrollment of over 3,000 students, offering 22 postgraduate and 17 undergraduate programs.
At the end of the visit, the Additional Chief Secretary and Special Secretary Livestock planted a tree on the university premises as a symbol of growth and sustainability.