‘Palm oil remains cornerstone of Pakistan's edible oils and fats sector'
KARACHI: Palm oil remains a cornerstone of Pakistan's edible oils and fats sector, supporting food security, industrial development, and nutritional access for millions.
Industry experts, in briefing session held on Thursday, emphasized its significance, calling for greater awareness of its benefits, sustainability initiatives, and strategic importance.
With annual consumption exceeding 3 million tons, palm oil makes up over 96 percent of Pakistan's edible oil imports. Its versatility and cost-efficiency make it indispensable for food manufacturers, particularly in producing vanaspati ghee, cooking oils, shortenings, margarine, and processed foods.
Nadar Ali Ghanghro, Marketing Officer, Consulate General of Malaysia has said that palm oil is a pillar of Pakistan's oils and fats market. 'Its natural stability, long shelf life, and affordability make it critical for national nutrition and economic resilience, especially in rural regions,' he added.
Palm oil is a cholesterol-free vegetable oil, naturally free of trans fats, and rich in antioxidants like tocotrienols and beta-carotene-components that contribute to cardiovascular health and overall well-being, he mentioned.
Dr Ramle Moslim, Deputy Director-General (R&D), Malaysian Palm Oil Board, said that palm oil's unique attributes make it not only a key dietary fat, but also a sustainable and economically vital crop. He highlighted palm oil's critical role in global food security, noting that oil palm yields 4 to 10 times more oil per hectare than other oilseeds such as soybean, sunflower, or rapeseed.
'This efficiency allows for higher output with less land, reducing pressure on natural ecosystems,' he said. 'Malaysia alone has over 5.6 million hectares under cultivation, supporting over 500,000 smallholders and ensuring domestic and global food stability.'
Zafar Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer, NIMIR further highlighted the industry's shift towards sustainable sourcing. 'Most multinationals operating in Pakistan now require RSPO-certified palm oil-whether Mass Balance, Segregated, or NDPE-compliant. This shift is transforming the supply chain toward greater transparency and environmental responsibility,' he added.
Dr Hammad Hassan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Aga Khan University reiterated the importance of countering misinformation. 'Palm oil is often misrepresented. The reality is it provides critical nutrients, supports livelihoods, and when produced responsibly, is a more sustainable option than many alternatives.'
Research is also advancing in palm-based nutritional innovations to help address micronutrient deficiencies. Red palm oil, for instance, is being studied for its use in healthcare and food interventions, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
42 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
PARTLY FACETIOUS: There is a need for structural changes in taxation system
'Chairman FBR urged the Senate body to abolish the Seventh Schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance…' 'Which incidentally dates back to 2001.' 'Hey, that ordinance has been amended from time to time and like other countries remains largely valid…' 'Excuse me, but there is a need for structural change in our taxes – our reliance on withholding taxes that are levied in the sales tax mode, which you must know is an indirect tax whose incidence on the poor is greater than on the rich, but credited dishonestly by the FBR under direct tax collections…' 'They are kinda easy to collect – you appoint withholding agents from the private sector, increase their work load don't pay them a penny, and they collect it…' 'Look at the glass as half full: you collect more while you don't burden your staff and…' 'The private sector is reeling, let me cite the Finance Division's data on large scale manufacturing sector: negative 1.4 percent in the outgoing year, negative under 0.5 percent last year and this negativity…' 'The glass is half full, my friend.' 'Right besides the Chairman has claimed that enforcement measures have generated a close to 380 billion rupees and…' 'But the successful enforcements he mentioned were from indirect taxes, excise duty on….on was it sugar or cigarettes? And that tax is passed onto the consumers anyway, so…' 'Anyway one question, if the seventh schedule is abolished would the banks be as amenable to lending around 1.2 trillion rupees to the poorly performing power sector - money borrowed to retire the circular debt?' 'If you recall, the head of our premier intelligence agency did, how can I put it, convince the Independent Power Producers to agree to the renegotiations and….' 'I am aware of that, my question is if the banks do not get special treatment then would they agree to lending to a sector where they are over exposed and…' 'I am not sure, but why doesn't the Chairman consider generating revenue from some other source. India for example, generates huge amounts from its stock market activities…' 'Hey, our stock markets are used as a yardstick to assess government performance.' 'But the bulk of our population, the poor, the lower middle and middle income earners do not invest in the stock market…' 'Shut up silly. You don't know the macro picture.' 'I stand corrected.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
43 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Steel sector concerned at massive tariff rationalisation
ISLAMABAD: The documented steel sector Friday expressed serious concern over massive tariff rationalization in budget (2025-26) which would result in total closure of the domestic steel industry. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Abbas Akberali Patron in Chief, Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers and Chairman Amreli Steels; Javed Iqbal Malik Chairman PLASP / CEO Karachi Steels, Ilyas Aziz Malik V. Chairman PALSP / Chairman Fazal Steels shared their views on Finance Bill (2025-26). They said after passing through the most difficult period of history, a few measures taken by the Govt recently have provided little bit relief to the steel industry. It includes reduction in cost of electricity, and reduction in interest rates. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
43 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Wapda chairman resigns
ISLAMABAD: Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen. Sajjad Ghani (retd) has resigned from his post due to personal reasons Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has appreciated his services and sent his resignation to the Cabinet Division for approval. Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (retd) played a key role in the effective running of the national institution and monitoring important projects in the energy sector. The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for him. His predecessor had also resigned. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
