LAHORE, September 14, 2026: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global health challenge, but Pakistan’s poultry industry should not be blamed for the problem without considering scientific evidence and the realities on the ground, said Dr Asim Mahmood Khan, Chairman and Founding Chairman of the Pakistan Veterinary Pharmaceuticals Association.
Dr Khan said the unnecessary and improper use of antibiotics must be discouraged. However, when bacterial diseases occur, the use of appropriate antibiotics under the diagnosis and supervision of a qualified veterinary doctor, with the correct dose and treatment procedure, is part of responsible veterinary practice.
He said modern poultry farms are increasingly focusing on biosecurity, vaccination, better water management, early disease detection, flock health monitoring and improved farm management. These measures can help reduce disease pressure and limit the unnecessary use of medicines.
According to Dr Khan, problems such as illegal or irresponsible access to medicines, irregularities in the feed supply chain and weak enforcement of regulations should be addressed through stronger regulation, monitoring, testing and accountability.
He said it was not appropriate to present a few incidents or weaknesses as a general picture of the entire poultry industry.
Dr Khan said Pakistan’s poultry sector provides jobs and business opportunities to millions of people and also plays an important role in providing relatively affordable animal protein to consumers.
He stressed that the government, regulatory bodies, veterinary experts, universities, pharmaceutical companies and responsible representatives of the poultry industry should work together to develop a common strategy for the sustainable development of the sector.
Dr Khan called for a science-based approach to tackling the growing threat of AMR in Pakistan, with greater focus on surveillance, effective regulation, accountability and the One Health approach.
He said better animal health, safe food and stronger food systems are essential for Pakistan’s long-term food security and sustainable development.
