By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE, October 3, 2025 – The Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) has proudly announced that the Silver Jubilee Edition of the International Poultry Exhibition (IPEX-2025) is completely sold out, reflecting overwhelming confidence from global investors and stakeholders in Pakistan’s poultry industry. However, while celebrating this milestone, PPA Chairman Abdul Basit strongly criticized recent government policies, warning that the imposition of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) and restrictions on duty-free maize imports could severely harm the poultry sector and threaten national food security.
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The announcement came during a media briefing chaired by Abdul Basit, accompanied by Malik Muhammad Sharif, Vice Chairman and Chairman IPEX-2025 Organizing Committee, and Abdul Haye Metha, Chief Organizer IPEX-2025.
Abdul Basit condemned the government’s decision to impose a Rs10 excise duty on DOCs, calling it a “punitive measure” that could cripple the already struggling poultry industry. “Taxing the very first step of the production cycle will raise the cost of chicken and eggs, making a key source of affordable protein inaccessible for millions of Pakistanis,” he said. He also urged the government to allow duty-free import of maize, a critical feed ingredient, to stabilize production costs and prevent disruption in the supply chain.
“The poultry industry provides over 40% of Pakistan’s total meat consumption,” said Malik Muhammad Sharif. “Any unfavorable tax or import policy directly undermines our ability to maintain stable prices and fulfill the protein requirements of our population.”
Abdul Haye Metha highlighted that the Silver Jubilee Edition of IPEX-2025 marks a significant milestone for the industry, featuring 180 stalls across three halls of the Expo Centre Lahore. The event, to be held from October 23 to 25, 2025, will host international participation from China, Europe, and several Asian countries, showcasing the latest innovations in breeding, feed technology, processing, and animal health.
“The record participation in IPEX-2025 is a testament to the world’s recognition of Pakistan’s poultry sector as a dynamic and advancing industry,” Metha said. “This exhibition will act as a platform for technology transfer, foreign investment, and partnerships that strengthen our economy and ensure affordable protein for the people of Pakistan.”
The Poultry Science Conference (PSC@IPEX) — jointly organized by UVAS and PPA — will explore entrepreneurship, innovation, and research within poultry and allied industries. The interactive session, themed “Know Your Health, Know Your Food,” aims to promote awareness about nutrition and healthy eating habits. Media professionals, academia, and civil society representatives will also attend as part of consumer education initiatives.
Metha also called for expansion of facilities at the Expo Centre Lahore to accommodate the growing scale of industrial exhibitions like IPEX, which are instrumental in promoting local industries and attracting foreign investment.
While celebrating IPEX’s global success, Abdul Basit emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to sustain the poultry sector. “We appeal to the government to withdraw the excise duty on Day-Old Chicks and permit duty-free maize imports immediately,” he said. “If these issues are not addressed, the poultry industry — which supports millions of livelihoods — could face an existential crisis.”
The PPA reiterated its commitment to working with policymakers to create a growth-oriented regulatory environment that encourages investment, ensures food security, and maintains the supply of affordable protein to the nation.
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