ISLAMABAD: Two Chinese companies, based in Pakistan, have applied for a licence to export donkey meat and byproducts from Pakistan. This development surfaces a day after authorities raided an illegal abattoir in Islamabad, seizing nearly one thousand kg of donkey meat and rescuing over 50 animals.
The Ministry of National Food Security & Research officials said that Chinese firms have submitted applications for the establishment of slaughterhouse operations and export permissions. If approved, this would mark the first legal effort to establish a regulated supply chain for donkey meat and bones destined for China.
Officials said that once regulatory requirements are fulfilled, the companies may be granted authorisation to export donkey meat, potentially opening up a new revenue stream for Pakistan.
The proposed export route will run exclusively through Gwadar, Balochistan, which has been designated as the sole processing and export point for donkey meat. Authorities have made it clear that any meat prepared outside of this controlled facility will not be permitted for export or local sale, ensuring strict oversight and quality assurance.
Crackdown on Illegal Operations: Chinese firms seek License
The move towards legal exports comes in the wake of growing concerns about unregulated slaughterhouses. On July 27, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) raided an illegal facility in Tarnol, just outside the capital, where it recovered approximately 25 maunds (1,000 kilograms) of donkey meat and found over 50 live animals.
According to IFA Deputy Director Dr. Tahira Siddique, the seized meat was suspected to be destined for foreign markets. A foreign national found at the site was taken into custody, and an FIR has been registered against those involved. The confiscated meat is being destroyed to prevent any risk of local distribution.
A Growing Market
Donkey meat and hides are in high demand in China, where they are used for culinary purposes and in the production of e-jiao—a traditional medicinal gelatin with a 3,000-year history. The e-jiao industry is based largely in Shandong province, which accounts for 90% of China’s output, according to state media.
The Donkey Sanctuary, a UK-based animal welfare organisation, estimates that the global e-jiao industry consumes around 5.9 million donkey skins annually, fueling the slaughter of donkeys worldwide and raising ethical and conservation concerns.
Pakistan’s Expanding Donkey Population
Pakistan’s donkey population has grown significantly in recent years. According to a June report by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the country now has over 6.047 million donkeys—an increase of 109,000 from the previous year.
While demand from China has long existed, Pakistan’s exports were previously hindered by delays in formalising the required export protocols. With those hurdles now reportedly cleared, officials believe a legal, regulated export channel could bring in substantial foreign exchange—while curbing illegal practices.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring strict regulation and enforcement to prevent the domestic sale or unlicensed export of donkey meat, warning that any unauthorised operations will face legal action.
Top Google search trends about Pakistan
Best gaming phone in Pakistan, bestselling car in Pakistan, most selling car in Pakistan, New range rover price in Pakistan, shortest day of the year in Pakistan, best cigarettes in Pakistan, how to get Luxembourg visa from Pakistan, Nathia Gali from Islamabad, Mercedez Jeep price in Pakistan, 14 August Pakistan independence day, 14 Aug holiday, Italy visa apply from Pakistan, Toyota Crown hybrid price in Pakistan, 2nd marriage law in Pakistan, fashion trends in Pakistan, 20k solar system price in Pakistan, causes of terrorism in Pakistan, MacBook price in Pakistan, Galaxy S26 Series, Xiaomi 16, Snapdragon 8.
