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RAWALPINDI, April 18, 2011 (News Agencies)-- .
The Pakistani government and the industry are aiming to position the country as a major exporter of halal products. But it appears that at least in the fresh meat sector, the consequences on the domestic market have been overlooked. According to a report published in the News the illegal smuggling of live animals as well as the export of fresh meat has driven prices for the local consumer. One-kilogram mutton is being sold in Rawalpindi at Rs500-520 whereas beef is available at Rs300-320.
“If government fails to stop export of meat and smuggling of animals to other countries people in the country would buy one-kilogram mutton at Rs700 or more than that,” All Pakistan Butchers Welfare Association President Khurshid Qureshi told ‘The News.’
He said that the government must ban the exports of meat and animals for at least five years in order to help regenerate livestock resources. “Today, the number of buyers has outweighed the number of animals and we know that animals are being purchased for slaughtering and meat export. Foreign countries are interested and prefer buying ‘halal’ meat from Pakistan for their restaurants, hotels and even for daily domestic used. Government does not pay heed to public welfare here,” he added.
Industry watchers say that a sound policy keeping in mind the domestic as well as the international factors need to be formulated to address the dilemma. |
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