Punjab’s government has unveiled an ambitious plan to overhaul how Halal food is regulated, aiming to align local practices with international standards and unlock new economic opportunities. The strategy, announced during the province’s first-ever Halal Food Summit, positions Halal compliance not merely as a religious obligation but as a modern regulatory and trade framework. Main Developments The initiative, directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, calls for a comprehensive farm-to-plate Halal ecosystem across Punjab. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Salma Butt confirmed that the government is committed to ensuring access to safe, hygienic, and nutritionally sound Halal food for all consumers. Three agencies — the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department, the Punjab Halal Development Agency (PHDA), and the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) — jointly organized the summit. Their leaders, including Secretary Dr. Kiran Khurshid and Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmed, outlined plans to strengthen enforcement, expand certification, and align inspection and licensing with Shariah requirements. Read also: US Envoy Stresses Trade Ties at Lahore Economic Forum A key component involves fully activating the PHDA to improve governance and regulatory oversight. Officials also announced efforts to map the non-food sector, classify Halal and non-Halal products, and build institutional capacity to support both food and non-food industries. Background Pakistan imports a wide range of food and non-food products from around the world, making proper Halal classification essential — a challenge the government says has not been systematically addressed until now. The Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department, a newly established body, has already achieved significant progress in a short period, according to Secretary Dr. Kiran Khurshid. The summit brought together policymakers, industry representatives, academics, and international experts to exchange knowledge and share global best practices. This collaborative approach marks a shift from previous fragmented efforts, aiming instead for a unified regulatory framework based on consultation and international benchmarks. Why It Matters Demand for Halal-certified products is rising globally, not only among Muslim consumers but also among non-Muslims who associate Halal with quality and safety. By positioning Halal compliance as a modern regulatory system, Punjab hopes to attract investment, boost innovation, and expand exports — contributing to sustainable economic growth. The initiative also directly impacts consumer protection. Officials emphasized that strengthening Halal compliance throughout production, processing, and supply chains will ensure that food available to the public meets both Islamic principles and modern food safety standards. Raja Mansoor Ahmed noted that the strategy creates new opportunities for trade and industrial growth while reinforcing consumer trust. What's Next The Punjab Halal Development Agency will be fully activated to oversee governance and enforcement. Officials plan to expand Halal certification, build institutional capacity, and finalize a comprehensive classification system for Halal and non-Halal food, packaging, and non-food products. Inspection, licensing, and enforcement systems are being aligned with Shariah requirements, with a timeline for implementation expected to emerge from ongoing consultations. The government has indicated that further summits and stakeholder meetings will follow to refine the framework and address global trends and regulatory challenges.