Pakistan takes seat as permanent member of IOC at 123rd session in Lisbon

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain led Pakistan’s delegation at the meeting of the International Olive Council (IOC) in Lisbon on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Portugal, Aisha Farooqui. The meeting marked Pakistan’s first participation after becoming a member of the IOC in May 2026. Pakistan joined 27 other olive-producing countries at the council’s 123rd session.

Pakistan was welcomed by the IOC’s executive director, chairman and member states. Speaking at the meeting, Rana Tanveer thanked the council and said Pakistan was committed to supporting the goals and objectives of the organisation.

He told members that Pakistan’s olive sector has expanded significantly, with more than seven million olive trees now grown over 55,669 acres across the country.

The minister said Pakistan has developed a full olive production chain, from farming to processing, with 51 extraction units, nurseries, weather stations and four quality testing laboratories working under IOC standards.

He added that Pakistan is now producing certified olive saplings locally and no longer depends on imports for this purpose.

The minister also highlighted that Pakistan won a silver award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition last year, which he said reflected the country’s progress in the olive industry.