Pakistan has registered 144 olive startups as part of a decade-long government initiative aimed at developing the olive sector.

Olive Promotional Programme National Project Director Dr Muhammad Tariq told Wealth Pakistan that the sector had recorded rapid growth over the past 10 years due to sustained government backing.

"Ten years ago, when the government started this programme, we had only one entrepreneur. Today, we have 144 startups and entrepreneurs. It is a very fast-growing sector," he said.

Tariq noted that the government's continued support had played a central role in transforming the olive sector into a viable agro-industry. The federal minister for national food security has also taken steps to strengthen the sector by pursuing Pakistan's full membership at the International Olive Council. "Hopefully, there will be progress within three months," he said.