ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the restructuring of the Livestock and Dairy Development Board, directing authorities to ensure transparent, merit-based appointments of its chairman and members to improve the institution’s effectiveness.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the prime minister in Islamabad to review reforms in the livestock sector, the restructuring of the board and measures to eliminate foot-and-mouth disease among animals.
Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to include competent and experienced private-sector professionals on the board to make it a more effective and functional institution.
He also called for a comprehensive action plan to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease, with clearly defined targets, measurable outcomes and specific timelines.
The reforms are intended to strengthen institutional performance and support the development of Pakistan’s livestock and dairy sectors, which contribute to agricultural production, rural livelihoods and the national economy.
Focus on foot-and-mouth disease eradication
The prime minister stressed the need for effective measures to eliminate foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats.
The disease can cause fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, reduced milk production and weight loss, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers and livestock businesses.
Effective disease control generally requires coordinated vaccination programmes, surveillance, early detection, movement controls where necessary and cooperation between livestock owners and veterinary authorities.
Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive strategy with measurable objectives and a clear implementation schedule.
A time-bound plan could help authorities assess progress, identify gaps and improve coordination between public institutions and livestock stakeholders.
Vaccine production facility planned in Islamabad
The prime minister said the federal government was establishing a plant in Islamabad to produce modern and effective vaccines for livestock using government resources.
The proposed facility is intended to strengthen domestic capacity for vaccine production and support efforts to control animal diseases.
Reliable access to effective vaccines is important for protecting livestock, improving animal health and reducing the economic losses associated with preventable diseases.
Domestic production capacity could also help improve the availability of vaccines, although its effectiveness will depend on manufacturing standards, quality control, production capacity and the timely distribution of vaccines to livestock owners.
The government has not provided further details in the announcement regarding the facility's investment cost, production capacity or completion timeline.
Global expertise to support sector development
Shehbaz Sharif also directed authorities to engage internationally recognised consultants to support the development of the livestock and dairy sectors.
He called for Pakistan to benefit from the experience of countries with established livestock management systems and expertise in animal health, breeding, disease prevention and dairy production.
International technical assistance could help improve veterinary services, strengthen disease surveillance and introduce modern approaches to livestock management.
Improving productivity in the dairy and livestock sectors is also important for increasing farmers' incomes, supporting food supplies and strengthening the competitiveness of animal-based products.
Private-sector participation in reforms
The prime minister's emphasis on including experienced private-sector professionals on the board reflects the government's intention to bring additional technical and commercial expertise into institutional decision-making.
Private-sector participation could help improve operational efficiency, encourage investment and strengthen links between government policies and the practical needs of farmers, dairy producers and livestock businesses.
Transparent and merit-based appointments would be important for ensuring that board members possess the relevant expertise and can contribute effectively to the implementation of reforms.
The proposed restructuring also highlights the need for coordination among government departments, veterinary institutions, research organisations and private businesses.
Economic importance of livestock and dairy
Pakistan's livestock and dairy industries support millions of rural households and contribute to the country's agricultural economy. Their performance affects milk and meat supplies, rural employment and the incomes of livestock farmers.
Animal diseases, low productivity and gaps in veterinary services can undermine these economic contributions.
The proposed institutional reforms, vaccine production facility and disease eradication plan could support improvements in animal health and productivity if implemented effectively.
The government will need to establish clear responsibilities, adequate resources and measurable performance indicators to translate the announced measures into tangible results.