Islamabad: The Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) convened its 6th Board of Governors meeting under the leadership of Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Khan Magsi. The meeting marked significant advancements in the country’s halal industry, with the formal launch of a Halal Certification Mark Scheme aimed at promoting ease of business and enhancing export potential.

The newly introduced Halal Certification Mark Scheme seeks to serve as a national emblem of authenticity for halal-certified products. This move aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to facilitate business operations and bolster exports. By generating revenue through its certification processes, the PHA aims to transform into a self-sustaining entity.

In a bid to foster international trade, the Board announced a revision of the Halal Mark License/Certification Fee. The new structure introduces zero fees for exported halal food and non-food items, while local food item fees are slashed by 50%. This reduction is anticipated to boost halal exports and help align with global industry standards.

The Board also approved Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several countries, including Belarus, Malaysia, Türkiye, Indonesia, and the UAE. These agreements are designed to streamline halal certification processes and expand market access for Pakistani halal products.

Moreover, the meeting sanctioned the registration of slaughterhouses and food service providers to ensure they meet halal principles and international standards. This step aims to enhance the credibility and acceptance of Pakistan’s halal products on the global stage.