The first Pakistan Halal Forum 2026 concluded at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi on Saturday. The event brought together national and international stakeholders to discuss the future of Pakistan’s Halal economy under the theme “The Intelligent Halal Economy”.

The Halal Development Council (HDC) organised the forum in collaboration with the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) and International Halal Certification (IHC). DinarStandard served as the Knowledge Partner, while the World Halal Council (WHC) endorsed the event.

The organisers described the forum as Pakistan’s first dedicated platform focused on the global Halal industry, which they valued at approximately $3 trillion.

The day-long programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, business-to-business networking and certification sessions. Participants discussed opportunities in Halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, tourism, logistics, Islamic finance and technology-driven traceability.

Pakistan Targets $40–50 Billion Halal Export Opportunity

Organisers highlighted the gap between Pakistan’s large Muslim population and its share of the global Halal economy.

They said Pakistan has the world’s second-largest Muslim population but accounts for less than 1% of the global Halal economy.

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The forum aims to help turn this gap into a $40–50 billion export opportunity. Its proposed approach focuses on moving beyond raw material exports towards value-added and certified products.

The organisers also highlighted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the establishment of a unified national certification framework under the principle of “One National Halal Mark, One Standard”.

HDC Calls for Global Halal Hub Strategy

Asad Sajjad, Chairman of the Halal Development Council, said the forum marked the beginning of a wider effort to position Pakistan as a global Halal hub.

“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,” he said.

Sajjad emphasised cooperation between the public and private sectors, innovation and export facilitation as key elements of the proposed strategy.

IHC Highlights Technology in Halal Certification

Mufti Zeeshan Abdulaziz, CEO of International Halal Certification, said Halal had become a global benchmark for quality, hygiene and safety.

He highlighted the growing role of technology in certification and product verification. These technologies include QR-code traceability, blockchain verification and artificial intelligence-based audits.

Abdulaziz said IHC’s internationally accepted certification could help Pakistani products access overseas markets.

Representatives from DinarStandard also shared insights into the global Halal lifestyle economy. They noted growing international interest in Pakistan as a source of authentic Halal products.

Forum Plans Annual Platform and Industry Support

The forum concluded with a commitment to make Pakistan Halal Forum an annual event.

Organisers also outlined plans for dedicated Halal Economic Zones, SME support programmes and investment facilitation for Halal industries.

Industry leaders, exporters, regulators, scholars, SMEs and international delegates attended the event.

The organisers said the forum would continue providing a platform for collaboration, investment and export development across Pakistan’s Halal sector.