Pakistan Dairy Association and Ahsan Iqbal Discuss Industry Challenges

The Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) recently convened with Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, to address the challenges faced by Pakistan's dairy sector following the imposition of an 18% sales tax on packaged milk. The delegation highlighted the tax's detrimental impact on the affordability of milk, procurement from farmers, and the overall disruption in the dairy sector.

Led by Kashmir Hasan, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan, and other industry leaders, the delegation expressed concern over the tax causing a significant decrease in milk procurement and affecting thousands of farmers and milk collection centers. Minister Iqbal supported the Association’s stance and recognized the dairy industry’s critical role in food security and economic growth. He advocated for a long-term policy to ensure the sector's resilience and proposed initiatives such as a School Milk Program to enhance demand and improve child nutrition.

The meeting underscored the need for collaborative efforts to create sustainable dairy policies that align with global practices and support the interests of consumers, farmers, and the national economy.