Islamabad: The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Embassy of Thailand jointly hosted the International Symposium on “Halal Science and Wellness” at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. The event gathered distinguished international experts, diplomats, senior officials, and representatives of scientific and regulatory bodies from across the Muslim world. Welcoming the participants, H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH, highlighted the rapidly expanding global Halal industry—now valued at over USD 1.3 trillion. He stressed the need for harmonized Halal standards, scientific testing, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen consumer confidence and enhance global trade, while appreciating growing collaboration with Thailand. H.E. Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy and Chief Guest, praised COMSTECH’s leadership in hosting a timely symposium. He highlighted that modern technologies such as molecular analysis, contamination detection, blockchain-based traceability, and AI-enabled risk assessment can significantly boost the integrity and efficiency of Halal certification systems. ONLINE
