FEW trees carry as much history and symbolism as the olive. In Palestine, it has become a symbol of loss, identity and steadfastness. In Pakistan, by contrast, it reflects hope, promising food and livelihood security in an increasingly hostile climate — not just for today’s farmers, but also future generations of farmers.
What began as a government experiment in olive cultivation two decades ago is finally bearing fruit. This month, a Pakistani startup won a gold medal at the 2026 Dubai International Olive Oil Competition. It had already begun gaining recognition last year when it won a silver medal in the extra virgin olive oil category at the New York International Olive Oil Competition, followed by honours in London and Berlin. With an estimated 10 million acres of land suitable for olive cultivation, Pakistan could eventually rub shoulders with established producers such as Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, if more people could look towards olive cultivation.
Why olives — and why now? What began in the 1980s, when the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and provincial research institutes started testing Mediterranean olive varieties, has evolved into more than eight certified nurseries producing domestic olive saplings, 51 processing units, and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The journey has been slow, but fairly smooth, even profitable. Italy’s support has been pivotal. Since 2011, it has invested about €5 million, combining funding with technical expertise to establish nurseries, train farmers, improve oil extraction and build laboratories.
In a country where farming is threatened by climate change, water scarcity and rising input costs, the hardy olive offers a rare opportunity. It thrives in rain-fed areas, requires relatively little water once established and produces a high-value crop. Pakistan has become South Asia’s only exporter, with shipments to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as smaller consignments to the UK, Canada and Germany. Grown across the Potohar plateau, parts of KP, and smaller plantations in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, olives are cultivated nationwide. But it is Loralai, in northern Balochistan, that has put Pakistan on the international olive oil map. Its rugged landscape has proved remarkably well suited to the crop. Best of all, the Loralai orchards are not sprayed with pesticide or fertiliser.
Why olives — and why now?
As climate change brings greater water scarcity and erratic rainfall, the drought-tolerant olive is ideally suited to Pakistan’s barani (rain-fed) landscapes, where olive orchards also act as natural carbon sinks, says Shaukat Rasool, CEO of the award-winning startup. While producing one kilogramme of rice requires 3,000-5,000 litres of water and a kilo of sugar 15,000-20,000 litres, Rasool says a litre of olive oil needs just 1,500-2,000 litres under drip irrigation — and virtually none in rain-fed orchards.
The accolades don’t end there. This May, Pakistan became the first South Asian country and the 28th permanent member of the International Olive Council. While IOC membership requires Pakistan to meet international standards for quality, testing, labelling and trade, it also gives it greater credibility in global markets.
Still, this is only the first milestone. Of the seven million olive trees planted across 55,669 acres, just one-fifth are bearing fruit. While Pakistan cannot match Spain, Italy or Tunisia in volume, it can compete in premium EVOO alongside New Zealand, Chile and Uruguay. The domestic market is equally promising. As lifestyle diseases rise and younger consumers become more health-conscious, doctors increasingly recommend monounsaturated fats; olive oil fits that healthier profile.
However, affordability remains a stumbling block. Despite growing support for locally produced olive oil, it remains beyond the reach of most households. Domestic production must increase before olive oil can become a kitchen staple. Equally important is dispelling the notion that all olive oil varieties are unsuitable for high heat and much-fried desi fare. This can also be encouraged by offering a wider range of products, including table olives.
Pakistan’s olive story may still be in its infancy, but it has already earned international recognition. With the olive policy and action plan in place, the next step should be establishing an olive council to iron out taxation, sustainability and governance issues. Investing in scientific research and extension services to support more than 8,000 farmers and over 100 startups and entrepreneurs, most of them young, should also be among the government’s top priorities.
One tree, two stories: in Palestine, the olive bears witness to loss and resistance; in Pakistan, it has become a symbol of climate resilience, prosperity and food security.
The writer is an independent journalist based in Karachi.
Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2026
