LAHORE: Pakistan’s first-ever Farm Animal Welfare Conference concluded in Lahore with a strong appeal for the compassionate and humane treatment of animals. The event called for urgent reforms in animal welfare laws, in line with Islamic teachings, scientific research, and global standards.
According to the report, the one-day conference was organised by the Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group (PARAG) and gathered experts from various fields, including veterinary science, law, agriculture, the environment, academia, and religion.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Dr. Muhammad Arshad.
Speaking at the event, PARAG Chairperson Ayeza Haider said the conference was a vital step towards changing public attitudes about animals. “We must stop treating animals only as products. Showing kindness and compassion to them reflects a truly humane and noble society,” she said.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Mazher Ayaz (Vice Chancellor, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur), Dr. Muhammad Zahid Farooq (UVAS, Jhang), Islamic scholar Dr. Shehzad Saleem, Dr. Farhan Farooq (CEO, KK Chicks), environmental expert Dr. Saadia Khalid, Dr. Hooria Shah, Todd Shea (CDRS), Dr. Quratulain, Dr. Shehzad Naveed (CEO, Alltech), Dr. Akram Munir (former Dean, UVAS), Dr. Nasir Mukhtar (Arid Agriculture University), and Rana Muhammad Akram (President, Anjuman-e-Kashtkaran).
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Speakers discussed many aspects of animal welfare, calling for ethical farming, better treatment of animals, and making compassion part of national values.
They expressed concern over Pakistan’s outdated animal welfare laws and urged reforms in farming, housing, and slaughter methods. The lack of proper training for farmers and slaughterhouse workers was also highlighted.
The declaration issued at the end of the conference stressed that treating animals kindly is not just a moral choice, but a religious responsibility. It referred to Article 14 of the Constitution, which upholds the dignity of life — including animals.
Panel discussions also addressed important issues such as legal reforms, improved food and shelter for animals, Shariah-based slaughtering, protection of native plants and pollinators like bees, and practical training for farmers.
