Lahore hosted one of the largest gatherings in Pakistan’s bird-breeding history this week, as more than 500 fanciers and professionals came together for the Grand National Aviculture Summit 2025 at Alhamra Arts Council. Organized by Naveed Sheikh and the NS Aviary team, the event aimed to reset the direction of the country’s lovebird industry, which has been facing serious challenges.
Participants traveled from across the country—Karachi, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Kasur, and beyond—underscoring the scale and urgency of the meeting.
Industry Under Pressure
Several speakers acknowledged that Pakistan’s lovebird trade has slipped into decline, largely due to an oversupply of low-value birds flooding the market. The consensus was clear: short-term commercial gains are undermining long-term sustainability.
Stage coordinator Shamsa Hashmi warned that even experienced breeders entering the mass market had disrupted pricing, urging both veterans and newcomers to focus on “smart pairing” and higher-quality stock.
Veteran voices echoed that call. Umair Chauhan stressed the need for financial discipline and purpose-built aviaries, while Ashar Saddique outlined the role of genetics in developing strong mutations. Fazzy Mahmood reminded the audience that market downturns are part of natural cycles, but warned against complacency.
Raising Standards for Global Recognition
Pakistan remains among the world’s top five sources for high-quality lovebirds, according to international buyers, particularly in Indonesia and China. Hanzala Sharif credited Sheikh’s leadership for keeping breeders motivated during difficult years, but added that consistency in standards is key to restoring Pakistan’s reputation.
Karachi-based breeder Adnan Saleem highlighted the export market’s increasing emphasis on both price and quality, suggesting that Pakistan could secure a much stronger foothold if it invested in premium mutations.
Special guest Raees Khan Lodhi from the CCD department called aviculture a “respectable home-based industry,” capable of empowering women and young entrepreneurs if nurtured properly. His official presence lent further weight to the summit.
A Call for Unity and Innovation
The summit wasn’t just about technical sessions—it also included interactive activities, prize draws, and open forums, helping participants leave with a sense of community rather than competition.
In his closing remarks, organizer Naveed Sheikh urged breeders to shift away from overproducing common mutations and to concentrate on higher-value varieties such as Sapphire. He also cautioned against the toxicity of social media negativity:
“Your presence here is a verdict against those spreading doubt. It’s time to recognize our mistakes, correct them, and move forward positively,” Sheikh told the audience.
Looking ahead, Sheikh announced plans for an even larger convention in December, with an ambitious target of drawing 50,000 participants.
The Road Ahead
Backed by a wide network of supporters—from industry patrons like Adnan Saleem and Adil Jadoon to specialists such as Dr. Faisal Sameer Khan—the summit sent a strong signal: Pakistan’s aviculture community is not prepared to settle for decline.
If the momentum from Lahore carries forward, the country’s breeders could reclaim their place as global leaders in lovebird innovation and quality.
