Introduction

The Symposium on Halal Standards and Industry Development was held at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab. The event, organized in collaboration with the National Alliance for Safe Food and Global Halal Services, gathered esteemed scholars, industry leaders, and professionals to discuss critical topics related to the Halal industry. The symposium aimed to address the challenges and opportunities within the Halal sector in Pakistan, with a focus on Sharia rulings, tourism, food safety, and regulatory frameworks.

Event Proceedings

Registration & Socialization

The event began with registration and a networking session, providing attendees an opportunity to connect with peers and industry professionals.

Recitation from the Holy Quran, Naat Rasool e Maqbool, and National Anthem

The event officially commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a Naat and the National Anthem, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the symposium.

Welcome Address

Prof. Dr. Saleem Haider, Director IAGS, University of the Punjab, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of such discussions for the development of the Halal industry.

Word of Symposium

Rana Awais Khan, President of the National Alliance for Safe Food, delivered the symposium’s opening remarks, highlighting the role of Halal certification and food safety in the global market.

Address by Guest of Honor

Mr. Ahmad Shafiq, CEO of COTHM International, shared his insights on the growing momentum in the Halal sector, especially within tourism and hospitality.

Address by Guest of Honor

Dr. Fareed Ahmad Paracha, Chairman Halal Executive Board, Jamia Markaz Uloom e Islamia Lahore, spoke on the religious significance of Halal standards and the need for strict adherence.

Address by Prof. Dr. Mahmood Saleem

Prof. Dr. Mahmood Saleem, Director ORIC, University of the Punjab, discussed the academic perspective and the university’s role in promoting Halal industry research.

Address by Chair of the Symposium

Eng. Sabir Ahmad, CEO of Global Halal Services, provided an overview of the symposium’s objectives and the critical issues facing the Halal industry today.

Distribution of Souvenirs

Souvenirs were presented to the speakers and distinguished guests in recognition of their contributions.

Tea Break

Technical Session

Chair: Dr. Aurang Zeb
Co-Chair: Hafiz Sajid Anwar
Moderator: Lt. Khurram Shahazad
Coordinator: Hafiz Rehan Nadeem

Sharia Rulings for Artificial Meat, GMOs, and Stem Cells

Mufti Muhammad Muaz Ashraf, Founder and Director Sharia, Center for Halal Assurance, discussed the Islamic rulings on contemporary issues such as artificial meat, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the use of stem cells in consumables.

Momentum of Tourism and Hospitality in Pakistan

Eng. Sabir Ahmed, CEO of Global Halal Services, highlighted the growing opportunities in Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality sector within the Halal industry framework.

Pakistan Halal Infrastructure: Challenges & Opportunities

Mufti Yousaf A. R. Khan, CEO of SANHA Halal Associates Pakistan, addressed the current state of Halal infrastructure in Pakistan, identifying key challenges and potential opportunities for growth.

Role of Testing in Our Lives

Mr. Hamed K. Lateef, CEO of Tti Testing Laboratories and FAHM-UL-HALAL, emphasized the importance of rigorous testing in maintaining Halal standards and ensuring consumer safety.

Importance of PRPs in Halal Foods

Tariq Qamar, Deputy CEO of Bureau Veritas, discussed the significance of Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) in ensuring the safety and quality of Halal foods.

Presentation by Punjab Food Authority Representative

A representative from the Punjab Food Authority delivered a presentation on the authority’s initiatives to regulate and promote Halal food production in the region.

Halal: A Course to Success

Mufti Syed Fazal Ur Rahim, Shariah Advisor at IFANCA Pakistan, outlined the role of Halal certification in achieving business success and gaining consumer trust.

Halal Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

Mufti Ahsan Zafar, Director of SANHA Halal Associates Pakistan, discussed the expanding Halal market for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, emphasizing the need for certification in these sectors.

Namaz and Lunch Break

Panel Discussion

Chair: Mr. Hamed K. Lateef
Co-Chair: Mr. Tariq Qamar
Moderator: Dr. Shahid Bashir
Coordinator: Motassim Khakwani

Theme: Potential in Pakistan Halal Industry

The panel, consisting of Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, Mufti Muaz Ashraf, Molana Ghayyas, Dr. Aurangzaib, M. Farooq Azam, Dr. Muhammad Saleem, and Mufti Raees, discussed the potential within Pakistan’s Halal industry, identifying key areas for growth and development.

Theme: Halal Regulations and Role of Regulatory Bodies

The second panel, including Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Mufti Yousaf, Mazhar Masood, Ms. Marriam Ali, Abdus Sami, Farrukh Ali Ashraf, and Mufti Suhaib Ashraf, explored the role of regulatory bodies in the Halal industry and the impact of regulations on market growth.

Distribution of Souvenirs

Souvenirs and certificates were distributed to panelists and participants in appreciation of their contributions.

Closing Session

Remarks by CEO-Bundu Khan Foods

The CEO of Bundu Khan Foods shared his views on the importance of maintaining Halal standards in the food industry.

Remarks by Mr. Tanveer Ahmad, CEO-Health Guard

Mr. Tanveer Ahmad spoke on the health implications of Halal food and the importance of ensuring its authenticity.

Remarks by Mr. Tariq Sarwar Awan, Senior Food Technologist

Mr. Tariq Sarwar Awan discussed the technological advancements in food processing and their implications for the Halal industry.

Concluding Remarks and Recommendations

Eng. Sabir Ahmed, CEO of Global Halal Services, concluded the symposium with a summary of the discussions and key recommendations for the Halal industry’s future development.

Vote of Thanks

Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali, Principal Organizer and representative from the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, offered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organizers.

Conclusion

The symposium successfully brought together industry leaders, scholars, and regulatory bodies to discuss and address the critical issues facing the Halal industry in Pakistan. The event highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous standards, promoting Halal tourism, and ensuring the safety and authenticity of Halal products. The recommendations made during the symposium will serve as a valuable roadmap for the future development of the Halal industry in Pakistan.