A modern joint slaughterhouse for Rawalpindi and Islamabad is one step closer to reality, as authorities have completed the initial study and proposed models for the project. The facility is planned to replace the old and outdated slaughterhouse in Humak, with the goal of ensuring a safe, hygienic, and standardised meat supply for residents of the twin cities.
The latest developments were shared during a meeting of the Meat Board, jointly chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa and Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak at CDA headquarters.
Modern Slaughterhouse Planned for Twin Cities
Officials were briefed that the initial feasibility study, along with operational and financial models, has been completed for the new Islamabad slaughterhouse project. Once established, this modern facility is expected to meet over 60% of the total meat requirement of Rawalpindi and Islamabad — a major step toward food security and public health.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and International Standards
According to the briefing, the master plan for the slaughterhouse includes:
• A modern slaughter hall
• Service buildings and support infrastructure
• A warehouse for storage and handling
• A quarantine ward for animal health checks
• A water treatment plant to manage waste responsibly
• Chilling and cold storage facilities to maintain meat quality
Read more: Feasibility for Islamabad’s first state-of-the-art slaughterhouse is completed
The project aims to adopt the latest animal slaughtering processes, keeping in line with international hygiene and safety standards. This means better quality control from the moment animals arrive, to processing, chilling, and delivery to markets.
Stakeholder Involvement and Monitoring
Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamir Khattak stressed that all relevant stakeholders from both cities — including local governments, health departments, business representatives, and possibly butchers’ associations — should be engaged in the planning and implementation.
He also emphasized the need for a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure that standards are maintained once the slaughterhouse becomes operational. Transparent oversight, he said, will be essential for long-term success and public trust.
Ensuring Hygienic Meat and Boosting Exports
CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa highlighted that the major objective of the project is to guarantee the supply of high-quality, hygienic meat, that shows full compliance with public health guidelines.
He added that the facility is not only meant to serve local consumers but also has the potential to support meat exports, opening new economic opportunities. A modern, certified slaughterhouse could assist Pakistan to tap into international halal meat markets, provided quality and standards are consistently maintained.
Public-Private Partnership Under Consideration
During the meeting, participants also discussed whether the project should be executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model or through traditional public-sector development.
A PPP model could bring in private investment, modern management practices, and faster implementation, while the government make certain regulation, standards, and oversight. The final decision is not made yet, but both options remain on the table.
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Background: Past Issues and the Need for Change
For years, butchers in Islamabad have demanded a dedicated, modern slaughterhouse. A plot had previously been allotted in Sector I-11 for this purpose. However, the plan encountered objections from the environmental authorities, and the site was eventually dropped.
The CDA had allotted plots before, only to later replace or relocate them due to planning and environmental concerns. The I-11 plot was considered to be the most recent attempt before this new joint slaughterhouse concept emerged.
Now, with a joint facility for Rawalpindi and Islamabad backed by a completed study and clear planning, authorities appear more serious about resolving the long-standing issue. If implemented as envisioned, this project is going to become an example of modern, hygienic meat processing, benefiting consumers, traders, and the broader economy alike.