‘Irritated’ by rotten meat scam, Auqib Wani launches ‘Halal Nation’
Srinagar, Jun 27: Disturbed by repeated reports of rotten meat being seized from different parts of the Valley, a young software engineer from north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has launched an ambitious venture aimed at restoring public trust in the meat supply chain through technology, hygiene and transparency.
Auqib Wani, who has done a software engineering course, has come up with “Halal Nation”, an app-based meat delivery service that promises hygienic and quality-checked mutton and chicken supplies to hotels, restaurants and households at their doorsteps.
The initiative, which is expected to formally roll out its mobile application shortly, has already generated interest among local businesses and consumers who have increasingly expressed concern over food safety following recent meat scandals in the Valley.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Wani said the idea was born out of frustration and concern after repeated incidents involving rotten and unsafe meat surfaced in Kashmir.
“The rotten meat scam really irritated me. People were consuming food without knowing its quality or source. I felt there was a need for a transparent and hygienic system that people could trust,” he said.
Wani said “Halal Nation” has been designed not merely as a commercial venture but as a modern food safety initiative that prioritises hygiene, ethical sourcing and consumer confidence.
“I have established a state-of-the-art abattoir where slaughtering, processing, packaging and storage are carried out under hygienic conditions. The entire supply chain is eco-friendly and quality-based to ensure proper hygiene standards,” he said.
According to Wani, the venture will cater to a wide customer base including hotels, restaurants, caterers and ordinary consumers seeking fresh meat delivered directly to their homes.
The upcoming app, he said, will allow customers to place orders digitally, track deliveries and choose from different categories of meat products. He added that maintaining freshness and timely delivery would be among the key features of the platform.
“In today’s time, people want convenience along with quality assurance. Through this app, we are trying to combine technology with trust,” he said.
Apart from addressing food safety concerns, the venture is also emerging as a source of employment for local youth in Kupwara. Wani said he has already employed 18 boys from the area in different sections of the business including logistics, packaging, operations and processing.
“My aim is not only to build a successful business but also to create employment opportunities for local youth. Kashmir has talent and energy, but young people need platforms and opportunities,” he said.
Residents and business owners in parts of north Kashmir have welcomed the initiative, saying consumers have become increasingly cautious about the quality of meat available in markets.
Many hotel and restaurant operators believe that professionally managed meat supply services could help improve food standards and rebuild customer confidence, especially at a time when hygiene and food safety have become major public concerns.
The launch of “Halal Nation” also reflects a growing trend of young educated Kashmiris turning towards entrepreneurship and technology-driven ventures instead of relying solely on conventional jobs.
For Wani, however, the mission goes beyond business. “Food is directly linked to people’s health and faith. If we can provide clean, trustworthy and properly handled meat to consumers, that itself is a big service to society,” he said.
