Lahore: Pakistan is set to host the 12th Asian Buffalo Congress (ABC) and the Dairy Asia Expo from October 14 to 16, 2027, an event seen as a significant milestone for the nation's livestock, buffalo, and dairy sectors. The announcement came during the first preparatory meeting chaired by University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr. Masood Rabbani.

According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the meeting included prominent figures such as Punjab Agriculture, Food & Drug Authority Director General Prof Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Professor Emeritus Dr. Nasim Ahmad, and Director General Extension L&DD Punjab Dr. Syed Nadeem Badar. The President of the Asian Buffalo Association, Prof Dr. Muhammad Ijaz, emphasized the importance of the Congress, which Pakistan is hosting after an 18-year hiatus. The event aims to integrate with the Dairy Asia Expo to enhance collaboration between research, academia, industry, farmers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.

Discussions at the meeting focused on the Congress's theme, official logo, and website. Financial management, resource mobilization, sponsorship opportunities, and strategies to attract international delegates, scientists, and industry representatives were also deliberated. Participants proposed linking activities such as buffalo milk and beauty competitions with the Congress to promote indigenous livestock breeds and showcase Pakistan's livestock and dairy potential internationally.

The organizers expressed their dedication to establishing the 12th Asian Buffalo Congress and Dairy Asia Expo-2027 as a landmark event to foster buffalo research, dairy innovation, and sustainable livestock development in Pakistan and the region.