By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The first meeting of the Technical Working Group on the conservation and promotion of local horse breeds was held at the Livestock Department under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.
Secretary Livestock Punjab, Ahmad Aziz Tarar; Coordinator Irtaza; and Vice Chancellor of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Dr. Younas, also attended the meeting.
Provincial Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated on the occasion that under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Punjab, the Livestock Department has initiated several projects over the past year for the welfare of livestock farmers, which have greatly benefited them. He noted that the department had never previously focused on the promotion of specific horse breeds. For the first time, this government has prioritized this issue.
To achieve this goal, veterinary doctors at the tehsil level will be trained, adequate vaccines will be provided for the treatment of sick horses, and ultrasound facilities will be ensured. He lamented that, unfortunately, Pakistan — particularly Punjab — lacks a distinct and recognized local horse breed. There is now a need for both the government and the private sector to work together to promote an identifiable breed of horses with standard features and qualities.
He emphasized that the government believes in extending maximum support to the private sector in areas such as sexed semen, transplant procedures, and nutrition for horses. A dedicated project is being launched by the department in this regard. The provincial minister further stated that the valuable input from this technical group — comprising members and breeders — holds great significance and will help the department reach conclusive outcomes.
Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Livestock Punjab Ahmad Aziz Tarar said that the department is taking serious steps to preserve local horse breeds and is focusing on improving diagnostic facilities.
Earlier, the meeting deliberated on various proposals for documenting the pure traits of local horse breeds, promoting quality breeding, and ensuring their representation at the international level. Experts stressed the need to compile a complete record of indigenous horse breeds to prevent the extinction of rare types.
The meeting was also attended by members of the Technical Working Group, renowned horse breeders, representatives from Brooke Pakistan, experts from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, and senior officials from the Livestock Department.
