The demand for donkeys in Pakistan has surged, leading to a dramatic increase in their prices. This spike is primarily driven by China’s growing use of donkey skin in traditional medicine and cosmetics.
Currently, the price of a donkey has soared to Rs300,000, a stark contrast to their usual role as humble transportation animals. This surge has created challenges for donkey cart drivers in Karachi, who depend on these animals for their income.
The weekly donkey market in Karachi’s Lyari district is witnessing a drop in local buyers due to the inflated prices. Sellers attribute this rise to increased demand from China, where donkey skin is used in the production of cosmetics and a traditional Chinese medicine called “Ejiao.” As a result, millions of donkeys are slaughtered annually in China.
Donkey cart drivers report that the cost of donkeys, which previously ranged from Rs8,000 to Rs12,000, has now increased to Rs30,000 to Rs35,000, complicating their daily work.
According to the 2024 Economic Survey, the donkey population has grown significantly, reaching 660,000—a rise of 100,000 in just one year. Additionally, the Senate Standing Committee on Trade has announced that a protocol for exporting donkey skin and meat to China has been finalized.
