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,........

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