Pakistan tanners have shown concern on media news that the government is considering the export of live animals from Pakistan. The Chairman of the Pakistan Tanners Association, Mr. Hamid Arshad Zahur, and his Central Executive Committee strongly opposed this contemplation, which is ultimately severely detrimental to the Leather Sector of Pakistan. This sector is a vital export-oriented value-added industry of the country and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP.
He said the industry is already facing a scarcity of raw materials (hides and skins), which it is importing from abroad, around 35%—40% of its total requirement. The government and industry would impact the decision to export live animals, drastically increasing the country’s bill to the unbearable government.
The Chairman of PTA also highlighted that allied industries will also be seriously affected, such as 1) by-products from meat processing, Gelatin: Derived from bones and tendons, it is used in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics 2) Animal blood, particularly, is used in medical research for studies in immunology, transfusion research, and various diagnostic tools 3) Bones are crushed into a powder called bone meal, which is rich in calcium and phosphorus. It is used as an organic fertilizer in agriculture to improve soil health and aid plant growth 4) Hair can be used to make carpets, brooms, and paint brushes due to its durability and flexibility 5) and 6) most importantly, to increase further food inflation in Pakistan specialy Meat & Milk, which is already @ exorbitant extent etc. etc., besides to create unemployment in various areas of the industry in the result of the export of live animals.
The industry is already suffering from the high cost of doing business, with hiked Electricity and gas prices compared to neighbouring competitors. Exporters are already “Unable“ to compete in the international market for secure export orders, and deciding to export live animals will eventually lead to the industry closure.
In conclusion, PTA stresses the need to form a uniform policy with the consensus and harmony of all stakeholders in the Pakistani leather Sector rather than proceeding with the “Unilat“rally” to li”t the ban on exporting live animals from Pakistan, which would have negative consequences for the industry and the countrycountry’suer as well.
The Chairman, PTA, Mr Hamid Arshad Zahur, “Strong“y Appealed” to the” Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif & Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, to take notice for immediate withdrawal of consideration/decision for export of live animals from Pakistan to save the leather sector of Pakistan from further deterioration to provide level playing with the common cause to achieve the desired milestones for exports which is by Government support/patronage & cooperation.
