The Punjab Livestock Department hosted the first session of the Technical Working Group on the preservation and advancement of local horse breeds, chaired by Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture, Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Secretary Livestock Punjab Ahmad Aziz Tarar, UVAS Lahore Vice Chancellor Dr. Younas, Coordinator Irtaza, senior officials, horse breeding experts, and representatives from Brooke Pakistan.
During the discussion, Minister Kirmani highlighted that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the provincial government has implemented several livestock welfare initiatives in the past year, significantly benefiting farmers across the region.
He emphasized that, for the first time, the Punjab government is taking targeted steps to conserve and promote native horse breeds. Plans include training veterinary officers at the tehsil level, ensuring availability of vaccines for diseased horses, and equipping veterinary centers with ultrasound technology.
The minister noted the absence of a nationally recognized horse breed in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, and called for collaborative efforts from both public and private sectors to develop and promote a standardized local breed.
To support this initiative, the department will roll out a dedicated project providing private breeders with advanced services, such as sexed semen, embryo transfers, and enhanced nutritional support. Kirmani underlined the critical role the Technical Working Group and other stakeholders will play in formulating effective strategies and ensuring lasting outcomes.
Secretary Ahmad Aziz Tarar added that the department is committed to preserving indigenous horse breeds and improving diagnostic services across the province.
The meeting also covered proposals related to cataloging the traits of native horses, improving breeding standards, and ensuring representation of Pakistani horse breeds on international platforms. Experts stressed the urgency of documenting local breeds to protect them from extinction.