September 19, 2006	Tuesday	Sha'aban 25, 1427

ISLAMABAD, Sept 18: The government has withdrawn ban on the import of poultry from France, Germany, the UK and Iran in a bid to maintain stability in local poultry prices.

The decision was announced in a commerce ministry notification which amended the Import Policy Order, 2006. Pakistan had banned import of poultry and poultry products from 22 Avian Influenza affected countries.

According to the notification the ban shall also not apply to the import of day-old grand parent stock chicks, day-old parent stock or breeders chicks of layers and broilers and hatching eggs from France, Germany, Iran and the United Kingdom.

The withdrawal is subject to certification from the veterinary authorities of the exporting country to the effect that these chicks and hatching eggs have not originated from the Avian Influenza infected zones or areas.