KARACHI: Pakistan could unlock $40 billion to $50 billion in Halal exports by moving away from raw material shipments towards certified, value-added products, industry representatives said at a media roundtable ahead of the Pakistan Halal Forum 2026.
The briefing, held at a local hotel under the theme “Beyond Compliance: The Next Generation of Halal Innovation”, brought together representatives from government, the private sector and international Halal organisations.
Asad Sajjad, chairman of the forum’s organising committee, said Pakistan had the potential to become a global Halal hub rather than remain primarily a consumer market.
Despite having the world’s second-largest Muslim population, Pakistan accounts for less than 1% of the estimated $3 trillion global Halal economy, he said.
“Our goal is to bring government, private sector and global bodies on one platform to unlock Pakistan’s USD40-50 billion export potential, support SMEs and build one National Halal Mark,” Sajjad said.
Global Forum
Sajjad announced that the main Pakistan Halal Forum 2026 would take place in December, with participation expected from more than 30 countries, over 100 exhibitors and international buyers.
The event will follow a public-private partnership model, focusing on value addition, investment and export facilitation.
Organisers say the forum will provide a platform to connect Pakistani producers with international markets and encourage investment in the country’s Halal industry.
Beyond Food
Mufti Zeeshan Abdulaziz, chief executive of International Halal Certification (IHC), said the global Halal industry had expanded well beyond food to include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, modest fashion and tourism.
“Halal is now a global standard for quality, hygiene and safety,” he said, adding that technology would play a growing role in building consumer confidence.
He highlighted QR-code traceability, blockchain verification and artificial intelligence-based audits as emerging tools for strengthening transparency and certification systems.
Abdulaziz said IHC’s global accreditation was recognised in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia and Indonesia, potentially helping Pakistani products gain access to those markets.
