AMR IS A REAL THREAT.BUT PAKISTAN’S POULTRY INDUSTRY DESERVES A BALANCED, EVIDENCE-BASED VIEW.

FLASH NEWS — SVC responds to Financial Times article Lahore, 11 September 2026 — Dr. Masud Sadiq Chaudhary, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Veterinary Pharmaceuticals Association (PVPA), has issued a professional response to Financial Times reporting titled “The chicken farms that become ‘pathogen sponges’ for superbugs.” This statement is issued by PVPA. It is not published by the Financial Times, and it does not represent Financial Times editorial opinion. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a genuine One Health concern. It cannot be dismissed, and it cannot be addressed by treating an entire national poultry sector as if it were a single farm. Dr. Chaudhary said Pakistan’s poultry industry deserves a balanced, evidence-based view: one that takes documented risks seriously, and one that also recognises the veterinarians, producers and regulators working to improve responsible production. “The solution to antimicrobial resistance is not to stigmatise an entire sector, but to strengthen the systems that allow responsible production to flourish.” Responsible antimicrobial stewardship, stronger biosecurity, vaccination, diagnostics and effective regulatory surveillance are essential to sustainable poultry production. Pakistan’s poultry industry should be challenged where evidence demonstrates malpractice, but it should also be recognised where progress is being made. PVPA supports a science-based One Health approach in which veterinarians, producers, regulators and public-health authorities work from evidence — not from generalised stigma. Dr. Masud Sadiq Chaudhary, DVM, MBA Senior Vice Chairman Pakistan Veterinary Pharmaceuticals Association For official PVPA commentary and membership enquiries, contact info@pvpa.com.pk.