Pakistan’s inaugural Farm Animal Welfare Conference, held in Lahore, marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote ethical treatment of farm animals. Organized by the Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group (PARAG), the one-day event brought together a diverse panel of experts from academia, veterinary science, law, agriculture, environmental studies, and religious scholarship.
At the heart of the conference was a resounding call for empathy and compassion in animal care, with participants stressing that kindness toward animals is not only a moral responsibility but also a religious obligation. The event’s keynote speakers — Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan (Chairman, Punjab Higher Education Commission) and Dr. Muhammad Arshad — emphasized the need for legal reforms rooted in Islamic principles, scientific research, and global best practices.
PARAG Chairperson Ayeza Haider described the conference as a pivotal step in shifting public perception, urging society to see animals as sentient beings rather than mere commodities. “Treating animals with compassion should be the mark of a humane and noble society,” she said, setting the tone for the day’s discussions.
The conference featured contributions from prominent figures including Dr. Mazher Ayaz (Vice Chancellor, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences), Dr. Muhammad Zahid Farooq, Dr. Shehzad Saleem, Dr. Farhan Farooq, Dr. Saadia Khalid, Todd Shea, and others. Together, they explored the ethical, environmental, and legal dimensions of animal welfare.
A key outcome of the event was a declaration highlighting the urgent need to modernize Pakistan’s outdated animal welfare laws. Speakers advocated for improvements in animal housing, farming, and slaughtering practices, and stressed the importance of farmer education and training for slaughterhouse staff.
Panel discussions tackled pressing issues such as Shariah-compliant slaughter methods, protection of native species and pollinators, and the integration of animal compassion into national values. The conference also reaffirmed that under Article 14 of Pakistan’s Constitution, the state bears responsibility for safeguarding dignity — a principle that, participants agreed, extends to animals.
Overall, Pakistan’s first Farm Animal Welfare Conference offered a hopeful vision for the future: one where empathy, ethical farming, and legal reform pave the way for a more humane society.
