ISLAMABAD: Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz on Friday said the government had approved Pakistan Halal Authority business rules and Pakistan Halal Certification.

“It is a milestone achieved by the Pakistan Halal Authority,” Minister for Science and Technology Senator Shibli Faraz said while speaking at the interactive session with stakeholders to develop understanding of halal regulations and role of halal certification bodies to make Pakistan Halal Products globally acceptable.

Speaking at the conference, he said halal market was growing fast with a potential of earning revenue worth a trillion dollars internationally.

The halal sector is currently attracting the attention of policy makers and private sector. Surprisingly most of the leading countries in this emerging Halal trade are non-Muslim such as Brazil, Australia, Thailand, China, Korea, South Africa, and the US, etc., he said.

Says business rules for Pakistan Halal Authority approved

Pakistan Halal Authority had finalised business rules, and certification marks regulations, which would make the Pakistan Halal Authority to regulate Halal Products and services as per international practices by implementing single pakistan halal logo as mark of Halal Assurance in addition to PHA financial rules,

He said it would transform PHA as self-sustained and self-financed organisation in line with government policy within next six months.

“The main hurdles in recruitment of technical and non-technical manpower have been removed after approval of PHA recruitment regulations by the federal cabinet,” he said adding that the Halal Certification Marks Regulation would ensure the products and services complying with Halal requirements.

The Single Pakistan Halal Logo on the products would be the sign of verification that the product was in accordance with Halal standards and regulations, he said.

The Halal Certification Marks was a key step for ease of doing business and single window operation. It would also provide registration and recognition of local/ foreign Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs).

“This will guarantee the consumers that products / processes fulfill the requirements of Halal certification.

“As per proposed MoU Halal Certification Bodies, accredited by the internationally recognised accreditation body will be accepted by counterpart organisation of the proposed countries on the similar way,” the minister said.

“PHA will accept the certificates of proposed counterpart organisation of the countries, accredited by the internationally recognised accreditation body, instead of individual registration /affiliation of Halal Certification Bodies,” Shibli Faraz informed participants.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2021