DG of the Pakistan Halal Authority, stated that all provincial authorities will assist the Pakistan Halal Authority.
All of the best international practices, including the framework already developed by the OIC for halal food certifications, were considered when developing the National Halal Grade Framework, which aims to promote transparency, ease of doing business, and assistance in establishing internationally recognized certification for exporters and importers.
This was the crux of the Thursday discussion on “Comprehensive Mechanism for Developing National Halal Grade Framework,” which was well-attended by stakeholders at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The keynote speakers included Chaudhry Shafqat Rasool Ghuman, Chairman Punjab Halal Development Agency, Akhtar A. Bhugio, DG Pakistan Halal Authority, Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum, and LCCI President Kashif Anwar.
According to Chaudhry Shafqat Rasool Ghuman, Chairman Punjab Halal Development Agency, this is the first session with stakeholders at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to inform them about the Developing National Halal Grade Framework. He stated that the first session is being held to explain to stakeholders why this framework was created and what its functions will be.
He stated that certification is a new function of the PHDA. The organizations have also been given the authority to perform certification. He stated that it is primarily a regulatory authority, with trade certification and regulation enforcement being its primary functions. He stated that the authority’s most important function will be to deal with matters of import.
Akhtar A. Bhugio, DG of the Pakistan Halal Authority, stated that all provincial authorities will assist the Pakistan Halal Authority. While developing the framework, all of the best international practises, such as transparency, ease of doing business, and international standards, were kept in mind.
He stated that the Halal Regulation has been approved by the Federal Cabinet for implementation in 2021. We haven’t put it in place yet because we don’t want to go without homework.
He stated that a mechanism will be developed so that things can be automated. You will not be prompted for certification if you are already registered for the product. He stated that authorities’ offices will be established in all ports and provinces, with the main office located at the federal level.
He said that a draft of MOUs has been formulated to be signed with 12 countries. He said that we need to be sensitized about Halal.
According to LCCI President Kashif Anwar, the Lahore Chamber will bring chain stores and FMCG Standing Committees into contact with the authorizers.
He praised the Punjab Halal Development Agency for bringing together the business community, trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and other halal stakeholders.