Pakistan is targeting a $40 billion to $50 billion export opportunity in the global Halal economy as it seeks to expand its market share through value-added production, internationally recognized certification and investment in Halal industries.
The ambition was outlined at the inaugural Pakistan Halal Forum 2026, which concluded in Karachi under the theme “The Intelligent Halal Economy,” bringing together industry leaders, exporters, regulators and international stakeholders to develop a roadmap for positioning Pakistan as a global Halal trade hub.
Organized by the Halal Development Council (HDC), in collaboration with the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) and International Halal Certification (IHC), the forum brought together industry leaders, exporters, regulators, scholars, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and international delegates to discuss opportunities across the global Halal market. DinarStandard served as the knowledge partner, while the World Halal Council (WHC) endorsed the event.
Pakistan Targets Greater Share of Global Halal Market
Organizers said Pakistan, despite having the world’s second-largest Muslim population, accounts for less than 1% of the global Halal economy, estimated at $3 trillion.
The forum identified an opportunity to increase Pakistan’s share of the market by moving beyond raw material exports toward value-added, certified products capable of competing in international markets.
The proposed strategy includes supporting SMEs, strengthening export facilitation and establishing a unified certification framework under the principle of “One National Halal Mark, One Standard.”
The targeted $40 billion to $50 billion export opportunity reflects the organizers’ ambition to position Pakistan as a major supplier across multiple segments of the Halal economy.
Industry Leaders Highlight Technology and Certification
Speaking at the forum, Asad Sajjad, chairman of the Halal Development Council, said the initiative was intended to establish Pakistan as an international center for Halal production and trade.
“This forum is not just an event, it is the beginning of positioning Pakistan as a Global Halal Hub. Our focus is on public-private partnership, innovation and export facilitation to connect Pakistani businesses with buyers in GCC, Malaysia, Indonesia and beyond.”
Mufti Zeeshan Abdulaziz, CEO of International Halal Certification, highlighted the expanding role of Halal standards beyond religious compliance, pointing to their growing association with quality, hygiene and product safety.
He cited technologies including QR-code traceability, blockchain verification and artificial intelligence-based auditing as tools that could strengthen transparency and confidence in Halal certification.
Abdulaziz also said IHC’s certification would help Pakistani products gain access to international markets.
Representatives from DinarStandard shared insights into the global Halal lifestyle economy, highlighting growing international interest in Pakistan as a source of authentic Halal products.
Forum Sets Out Broader Industry Development Agenda
Discussions at the event covered a wide range of sectors, including Halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, Halal tourism, logistics, Islamic finance and technology-driven traceability.
The forum also featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, business-to-business networking and sessions on certification requirements and export growth strategies.
Organizers said the initiative would continue as an annual platform, with plans to promote dedicated Halal Economic Zones, SME support programs and investment facilitation for businesses operating across the sector.
The proposed measures aim to strengthen Pakistan’s Halal industry beyond food exports, creating opportunities across manufacturing, services, technology and international trade.
The inaugural forum concluded with a commitment to build stronger public-private partnerships and connect domestic producers with international buyers, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia and Indonesia.
If implemented, the roadmap could help Pakistan expand its role in a global industry that spans food, consumer products, finance, tourism and technology.