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Marking a significant milestone for animal welfare in Pakistan, the country’s first-ever Farm Animal Welfare Conference concluded in Lahore with a compelling declaration. The conference urged policymakers to reform national laws and policies in accordance with Islamic values, scientific research, and international standards of animal well-being.
Organized by the Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group (PARAG), the one-day summit brought together leading voices from academia, veterinary sciences, law, agriculture, environmental science, and faith-based communities.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Dr. Muhammad Arshad.
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Other prominent speakers included Islamic scholar Mufti Syed Adeel, environmentalist Dr. Mahnoor Fatima, renowned veterinary expert Dr. Zahid Mehmood, animal rights lawyer Uzma Qureshi, and farmer representative Chaudhry Naeem.
Speakers highlighted the multifaceted dimensions of animal welfare, advocating for humane treatment, ethical farming practices, and the need to integrate animal compassion into national values.
The conference declaration voiced deep concern over outdated animal welfare laws in Pakistan and emphasized the urgent need for reforms in animal housing, farming, and slaughtering practices. It also noted a significant lack of training among farmers and slaughterhouse staff.
Participants unanimously asserted that kindness to animals is not merely a moral obligation but a religious duty, reinforcing that under Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the state is responsible for upholding dignity including that of animals.
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Panel discussions addressed a range of critical issues including legislative reform, improved nutrition and housing for animals, Shariah-compliant slaughter methods, protection of native flora and pollinators such as bees, and hands-on farmer education.
Speaking on the occasion, PARAG Chairperson Ayeza Haider emphasized that the summit marks a transformative step toward reshaping public consciousness. “It is time we move beyond viewing animals solely as commodities. Treating them with empathy and compassion should be seen as a hallmark of a truly humane and noble society,” she said.
