The National Halal Conference, organized by the National Alliance for Safe Food (NAFS) in collaboration with Global Halal Services Pvt. Limited, was held with the aim of discussing the importance of the Halal industry as a gateway to international trade, economic success, and the reshaping of lifestyles. The conference brought together industry experts, academics, and business leaders to share insights and strategies on the future of the food industry, with a focus on safe and nutritious food availability to the masses.

Inaugural Session

The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Naat, and the National Anthem, setting a reverent tone for the day. The Welcome Note was delivered by Mr. Uzair Nizam, Director of E-Commerce Pvt. Ltd., who warmly greeted the participants and highlighted the significance of the conference in promoting Halal certification and food safety standards in Pakistan.

Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food, delivered the Words of Conference, emphasizing the critical role that Halal certification plays in enhancing Pakistan’s food export potential and ensuring food safety for consumers. His address underscored the need for a unified approach to strengthen the Halal industry and its regulatory framework.

Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, CEO of Global Halal Services Pvt. Ltd., followed with remarks on the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders to ensure that Halal standards are met and maintained. He highlighted the efforts of Global Halal Services in providing reliable Halal certification and the need for continuous innovation in the industry.

Mr. Faraz Ur Rehman, President of the Korangi Association of Trade & Industries, also addressed the audience, sharing his perspectives on how the Halal industry can contribute to economic growth and international trade. He stressed the importance of quality control and adherence to global standards to maintain Pakistan’s competitive edge in the global market.

The Guest of Honor, Mr. Agha Fakhar Hussain, Director General of the Sindh Food Authority, spoke about the regulatory framework in place to ensure food safety in the province and the role of the Halal certification in reinforcing consumer trust in local and international markets.

The Inaugural Session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Kamran Saleem, Director of the National Alliance for Safe Food, who expressed gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the success of the event.

Panel Discussion: Halal Industry; A Gateway to International Trade, Economic Success & Reshaping Lifestyle

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem and featured distinguished panelists including Dr. Syed Ghufran Saeed from Karachi University, Mr. Hafiz Abdullah from Hafiz Sweets, Mufti Naeem Shahid, Director General of the International Islamic Institute of Halal, Cultural, Social and Spiritual Sciences, Dr. Badruddin from NED University, Dr. Mufti Arif Ali Shah, Certification Manager at ICCBS Karachi University, and Mufti Syed Owais Ali from Jamia Faizan Ghaziyan.

The discussion centered around the strategic importance of the Halal industry in driving international trade and economic success. Panelists highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the global Halal market, including the need for standardization, certification, and the adoption of innovative technologies to meet the growing demand for Halal products worldwide. The role of Halal certification in reshaping consumer lifestyles and ensuring compliance with Shariah principles was also emphasized.

Business Session: Future of Food Industry; Safe & Nutritious Food Availability to Masses

The business session was chaired by Mr. Ghulam Farid, CEO of Rise AG Pakistan, Multan, with co-chairs Dr. Feroz Alam from the Food Department UOK, Dr. Arslan from JUW, and Dr. Tooba from Iqra University. The session focused on the future of the food industry, particularly on ensuring the availability of safe and nutritious food to the masses.

Speakers included Mr. Shoaib Awan, Business Unit Head at Wiztec Food Solution, who discussed the importance of technology in improving food safety; Mr. Asadullah Khan, Co-Founder of Falcao, who spoke about the role of export management in promoting Pakistani food products; and Mr. Imtiaz Sheikh, President of the Pakistan Agriculture & Horticulture Forum, who emphasized the need for innovation in agriculture to support food security.

Other notable speakers included Miss Shazia Mateen, Director of Rishad Mateen & Co., Mr. Omer Qasim Omerson, CEO of LQ Foods, and Mr. Sarfraz Ahmad Khan, Country Head of Salman Cooperation Pvt. Ltd., who all shared insights on the challenges and opportunities in the food industry, particularly in relation to food safety, quality control, and international trade.

Technology & Innovation Session: Food Technology, Innovation, and Sustainability

The final session of the day, focused on food technology, innovation, and sustainability, was chaired by Dr. Omer Mukhtar Tarar from PCSIR Karachi, with co-chairs Dr. Ghufran Saeed from UOK, Dr. Jawad from NED University, and Miss Kanza from JUW. The session featured key insights from industry leaders on the latest advancements in food technology and their implications for the future of the Halal industry.

Keynote speaker Mr. Noman Amjad Lutfi, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ismail Industries, highlighted the role of supply chain management in ensuring food safety and quality. Mr. Rizwan Buttar, Chief Innovation Officer at ZAUQ Group, discussed the potential of innovative technologies like AI and blockchain in enhancing transparency and traceability in the Halal food supply chain.

Other speakers, including Mr. Irfan Falak, CEO of C Shine Rentokil Pakistan, and Mr. Ejaz Hussin Bajwa, Director of Urban Pest Management, provided valuable insights on the role of pest control and environmental management in maintaining food safety standards. Dr. Syeda Urooj Fatima from the University of Karachi and Mr. Tanveer Shariq, Head of Production at Imtiaz Supermarket, also shared their expertise on sustainability practices and the importance of adopting eco-friendly approaches in the food industry.

The session concluded with a Namaz break, after which participants had the opportunity to network and discuss the day’s presentations.

Conclusion

The National Halal Conference successfully provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss the critical issues facing the Halal industry. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adherence to international standards in driving the growth of the Halal market. The insights shared during the conference will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s Halal industry on the global stage