ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become a permanent member of the International Olive Council (IOC) for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing olive sector.
Pakistan formally assumed its seat during the IOC’s 123rd session held in Lisbon, Portugal, which was attended by representatives from 27 olive-producing countries, according to the Foreign Office.
A Pakistani delegation, led by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, represented the country at the session.
The minister briefed IOC members on the rapid expansion of Pakistan’s olive industry and highlighted the country’s initiatives to promote sustainable olive production, particularly in response to climate change challenges.
Pakistan takes its seat for the first time as a Permanent Member of the International Olive Council at the 123rd Session held in Lisbon today.@PakPMO@FoodSecurityPK @ForeignOfficePk@appcsocialmedia @aishafarooqui7 pic.twitter.com/LdfffIhgEd
— Pakistan Embassy Portugal (@PakinPortugal) June 30, 2026
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to making a constructive contribution to the global olive sector and strengthening its role in the international olive market. The delegation also included Pakistan’s Ambassador to Portugal, Aisha Farooqui.
During the session, Pakistan highlighted major developments in its olive sector, including the plantation of more than seven million olive trees across the country. Officials said olive cultivation has expanded to 55,669 acres of land, with olive clusters continuing to grow.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan has developed a complete “farm-to-table” value chain for olive production, supported by 51 operational olive oil extraction units across the country.
It added that modern processing facilities, nurseries, and meteorological stations have been set up, along with four laboratories developed in line with IOC standards.
The country has also achieved self-sufficiency in the local production of certified olive saplings, while Pakistani olive oil has gained international recognition, the statement added.
Established in 1959, the International Olive Council (IOC) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to promoting the sustainable and responsible development of the global olive sector. The council represents countries that collectively account for more than 94 percent of worldwide olive oil production.
