ISLAMABAD: The three-day Grand National Olive Gala concluded at F-9 Park on Sunday, attracting an estimated 25,000 visitors, organisers said. The event showcased Pakistan’s growing olive sector and highlighted value-added products, including olive oil, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals.
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More than 150 stakeholders participated in the gala, including farmers, academics, and industry representatives. Stalls represented regions across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, underlining the geographic diversity of olive cultivation and processing in the country. Significant interest was reported in olive oil-based cosmetics and other value-added products.
اسلام آباد میں ساتواں تین روزہ نیشنل اولیو گالا شروع ہو گیا ہے، ایونٹ میں ملک بھر سے کاشتکار، طلبہ، فیملیز اور زیتون کے ماہرین ایک پلیٹ فارم پر جمع ہو کر پاکستان میں زیتون کی کاشت، پیداوار اور اس سے جڑی معاشی ترقی کے امکانات کو فروغ دینے کے لیے شریک ہو رہے ہیں۔ مزید جانتے ہیں… pic.twitter.com/fEwP1PNORG
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) December 14, 2025
Dr Muhammad Tariq of the National Olive Promotion Programme said the gala would promote an export-oriented approach for Pakistan’s olive industry. He added that the events had raised awareness and competitiveness, contributing to the development of a sustainable and modern olive sector.
The government is focusing on supplying quality saplings, supporting research initiatives, and establishing modern oil extraction facilities to strengthen sectoral growth. Dr Tariq noted that most stakeholders are now registered with the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO), reflecting the sector’s increasing professionalism.
According to the International Olive Council, olive oil consumption in Pakistan has risen steadily in recent years. The European Union remains the main trading partner, although imports saw a slight correction in 2022/23 and 2023/24. For the 2024–25 crop year, Pakistan’s olive oil production is projected at around 1,500 tonnes, with imports expected to reach 3,500 tonnes, bringing total consumption to approximately 5,000 tonnes.
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With an estimated four million hectares suitable for olive cultivation and more than seven million trees planted under the National Olive Programme over the past 15 years, the sector is increasingly viewed as a viable high-value crop capable of integrating Pakistan into global olive oil markets.