ISLAMABAD, July 2025 – In a renewed push toward sustainable agriculture and food security, Pakistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have agreed to deepen collaboration in areas of agricultural innovation, livestock development, and foreign investment facilitation.
This strategic alignment was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain and an FAO delegation led by Assistant Director-General Thanawat Tiensin, who also heads FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division. Florence Rolle, FAO’s outgoing country representative for Pakistan, was also present, marking the transition to a new leadership phase in FAO’s operations in Pakistan.
The meeting focused on enhancing policy support, technical cooperation, and investment frameworks aligned with Pakistan’s Vision 2035 for agricultural transformation. Minister Hussain lauded FAO’s consistent support since Pakistan’s independence, noting the organization’s contributions to over 94 districts across the country.
Key Areas of Collaboration and Strategic Focus
- Policy and Technical Capacity Building:
The minister expressed Pakistan’s intent to actively participate in FAO’s Global Work Plan, aiming to align national priorities with international sustainability benchmarks, particularly in food systems transformation, climate-resilient agriculture, and animal health. - Investment Mobilization & Infrastructure:
Emphasizing the urgent need for foreign investment in agricultural modernization, Minister Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to create an enabling environment. This includes the recent establishment of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NATFSA), inspired by Egypt’s advanced food safety framework. A delegation from Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research is expected to visit Cairo later this year to study institutional models for food regulation, traceability systems, and agricultural exports. - Livestock Sector Innovation:
FAO’s Mr. Tiensin commended Pakistan’s steps in reforming its livestock sector, suggesting the adoption of Brazil’s agri-tech-based development model as a pathway to export competitiveness. He urged Pakistan to leverage technology, genetic research, and biosecurity practices for enhanced productivity. In response, Minister Hussain underscored the government’s plan to revive and technologically upgrade the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), aligning it with regional innovation hubs and knowledge-sharing networks in China and Europe.
Upcoming Global Engagements
Pakistan is expected to play a significant role in FAO’s upcoming global events:
- Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation – to be held in Rome, September 29 to October 1, 2025.
- Global Seed for Food Exhibition – October 2025, focusing on biodiversity and climate-resilient seed technologies.
- World Food Forum 2025 – Pakistan will showcase its sustainable agriculture roadmap and innovation programs.
Pandemic Response and Continued Support
Minister Hussain praised FAO’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the mobilization of USD 20 million for improving Pakistan’s animal health systems, including disease surveillance, veterinary infrastructure, and emergency response preparedness.
He also acknowledged Ambassador Mehboob’s vital role as Pakistan’s permanent representative to FAO in Rome, facilitating consistent advocacy for Pakistan’s agri-development agenda at global platforms.
🧠Additional Context (July 2025 Update):
This expanded cooperation comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with climate-induced agricultural challenges, including erratic monsoons, soil degradation, and livestock diseases. The renewed partnership is expected to not only boost food production but also secure Pakistan’s position as a reliable agri-exporter in regional markets.
The government has also hinted at upcoming pilot programs on climate-smart agriculture, digital farming solutions, and livestock traceability systems under FAO’s guidance.
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