Pakistan has outlined a $40 billion to $50 billion export opportunity for its halal industry at the first Pakistan Halal Forum 2026.
The forum concluded in Karachi on October 31, bringing together industry leaders, regulators, exporters and international stakeholders to discuss ways to expand the country’s presence in the global halal economy.
Held at the Pearl Continental Hotel under the theme “The Intelligent Halal Economy,” the forum focused on shifting Pakistan’s halal sector from raw material exports toward value-added, certified products, while promoting technology, investment and international market access.
Organizers said Pakistan, despite having the world’s second-largest Muslim population, accounts for less than 1% of the global halal economy. They identified the sector as a potential source of export growth, with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improving certification standards.
Pakistan targets greater share of global halal economy
The forum highlighted opportunities across several segments of the halal economy, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, halal tourism, logistics, Islamic finance and technology-driven traceability.
A key proposal discussed at the event was establishing “One National Halal Mark, One Standard” to strengthen consistency in certification and help Pakistani businesses access international markets.
The forum also emphasized the need for stronger public-private partnerships, export facilitation and closer connections with buyers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia, Indonesia and other markets.
Technology and certification take center stage
Asad Sajjad, Chairman of the Halal Development Council, said the forum marked the beginning of efforts to position Pakistan as a global halal hub.
“This forum is not just an event, it is the beginning of positioning Pakistan as a Global Halal Hub. Our focus is on public-private partnership, innovation and export facilitation to connect Pakistani businesses with buyers in GCC, Malaysia, Indonesia and beyond.”
Mufti Zeeshan Abdulaziz, CEO of International Halal Certification, highlighted the growing role of halal certification in international trade, describing it as a benchmark for quality, hygiene and safety.
He pointed to technologies such as QR-code traceability, blockchain verification and AI-based audits as tools that could strengthen transparency and verification across halal supply chains.
He also said IHC’s globally accepted certification would help Pakistani products gain access to international markets.
Representatives from DinarStandard, the forum’s knowledge partner, shared insights into the global halal lifestyle economy and discussed growing international interest in Pakistan as a source of halal products.
Forum proposes annual platform and investment support
The organizers said the forum concluded with a commitment to make the Pakistan Halal Forum an annual event.
Other proposed initiatives included dedicated Halal Economic Zones, SME support programs and investment facilitation for halal industries.
The event was organized by the Halal Development Council (HDC), co-organized by the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) and International Halal Certification (IHC), with DinarStandard as its knowledge partner and endorsement from the World Halal Council (WHC).
The organizers described the gathering as Pakistan’s first dedicated platform focused on the global halal industry, which they valued at approximately $3 trillion.