Veterinary experts, academics, and livestock professionals on Saturday called for a substantial increase in the number of veterinary doctors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that the growing livestock population and the emergence of increasingly complex animal diseases require a stronger and better-equipped veterinary workforce. The demand was made during an election campaign gathering of the Progressive Veterinarians Forum (PVF) held in Swabi, where speakers emphasized the need to modernize the veterinary sector, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve services for farmers across the province.
Gathering of Veterinary Professionals
The gathering was attended by veterinary professionals from Hazara, Swat, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Charsadda, and other districts of the province. Among those present were Prof Dr Bakhat Zamin, Vice-Chancellor of the Agriculture University Peshawar; Dr Alamzeb and Dr Ahadullah, both former directors-general of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Livestock Department; Dr Habib-ur-Rehman, Central President of the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA); female veterinary doctors, and candidates contesting the PVF elections. Organizers said it was the forum’s final election campaign gathering before the polls, aimed at seeking support from veterinary professionals and presenting the panel’s vision for the association.
Livestock Sector Vital for Provincial Economy
Addressing the participants, speakers said the livestock sector remained a vital component of the provincial economy and possessed immense growth potential. However, they stressed that rapid changes in animal health, increasing demand for livestock services, and evolving farming practices required a more result-oriented approach, greater investment, and the swift adoption of modern technologies. They said strengthening veterinary services was essential not only for protecting animal health but also for improving farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring food security.
PVF Presidential Candidate Introduces Panel
PVF presidential candidate Dr Sajjad Wazir introduced the forum’s candidates, outlining their professional backgrounds, areas of expertise, and the responsibilities they intended to undertake if elected. He said the panel was committed to addressing the professional concerns of veterinarians and improving the delivery of livestock services throughout the province.
Role of Universities in Veterinary Education
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Bakhat Zamin highlighted the role universities could play in advancing veterinary education, research, and professional training. He stressed the importance of stronger coordination among academic institutions, veterinary professionals, and government departments to ensure services were aligned with the needs of farmers and provincial livestock policies. He expressed optimism that the newly elected office-bearers would work with commitment to secure the creation of additional posts for veterinary doctors and supporting staff. “We are ready to support you and extend full cooperation in the creation of new posts,” he said.
PVMA President Reviews Achievements
Dr Habib-ur-Rehman, President of the PVMA, reviewed the association’s achievements, saying veterinary professionals had continued to serve under difficult circumstances. He said the association had previously succeeded in increasing the number of veterinary doctors and would continue efforts to secure further recruitment after the elections.
Challenges and Proposed Measures
Former directors-general Dr Alamzeb and Dr Ahadullah also spoke on the challenges confronting the veterinary profession in a rapidly changing environment. They proposed measures to strengthen institutional capacity, improve veterinary services, and meet the growing needs of livestock farmers across the province.
Private Sector Employment for Veterinary Graduates
Provincial President of the Dairy Farmers’ Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asif Awan, and Raj Wali Khan, President of the Poultry Association, said their organizations were working to create employment opportunities for unemployed veterinary graduates in the private sector. They said many professionals had already secured jobs through these initiatives and pledged to continue supporting qualified veterinarians.
Local Support for PVF Candidates
Dr Jan Muhammad, Director Livestock Swabi, said veterinary doctors in the district would fully support the candidates of the Progressive Veterinarians Forum in the forthcoming elections.
