Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the federal government will provide 100 percent funding for the development of an indigenous vaccine against Foot and Mouth disease, a move aimed at bolstering the livestock sector.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister made this announcement while addressing a national seminar on ‘Harnessing Pakistan’s Livestock Potential’ in Islamabad. He underscored the importance of agriculture and livestock as pivotal sectors for reviving Pakistan’s economy within a year, contingent upon dedicated and coordinated efforts. He also pointed out that increasing livestock exports hinges on effectively controlling the disease.

In addition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that, following last year’s initiative, another batch of 1,000 fresh agriculture graduates from all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will be sent to China this year for advanced training at government expense.

The seminar also marked the inauguration of the Pakistan Animal Identification and Traceability System by the Prime Minister. This system is designed to enhance productivity in the livestock sector, with a special focus on genetic improvement, disease control, and strengthened collaboration.