Islamabad, July 27, 2025: In a shocking discovery, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has uncovered a large-scale illegal meat operation in Tarnol. During a major crackdown on Tuesday, officials recovered over 900 kilograms of donkey meat—equivalent to 25 maunds—along with more than 50 live donkeys kept in deplorable conditions.
Speaking to media, IFA Deputy Director Dr. Tahira Siddique confirmed that one tonne of donkey meat was found and destroyed on-site. A foreign national was also arrested during the operation, and authorities are investigating the potential international export of the meat.
According to initial reports, the meat was allegedly intended for export, raising alarm bells about Pakistan’s role in the global trade of donkey meat and skins—particularly linked to rising demand from China.
Recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) indicates that the country’s donkey population has surged by 109,000 in just one year, now totaling approximately 6.047 million. This spike aligns with increased commercial interest in donkey-derived products.
China, where donkey meat is a delicacy and donkey hides are processed into e-jiao—a traditional medicine—remains a top importer. E-jiao, a gelatin with a 3,000-year legacy, is primarily manufactured in Shandong province, responsible for 90% of China’s production. The product is revered in Chinese medicine for its supposed anti-aging and blood-enriching properties.
Experts warn that the e-jiao industry needs around 5.9 million donkey skins each year, creating intense pressure on global donkey populations. The Donkey Sanctuary, a UK-based welfare group, has expressed concerns over mass slaughter and poor treatment of the animals.
Pakistan, with its growing donkey population and evolving trade protocols, appears to be positioning itself as a supplier in this controversial market. In February, reports surfaced that a slaughterhouse in Gwadar had started processing donkey meat and by-products for export to China.
The Director of the Islamabad Food Authority has ordered the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against those involved in the Tarnol operation.
Read More: Pakistan to Launch Donkey Meat Exports to China from Gwadar
The seized meat has been incinerated to prevent any public health risks, while the arrested individual is being questioned for further leads.
Read More: Donkey Population in Pakistan Sees 100,000 Increase in One Year
Officials are now expanding the investigation to determine if more such operations are active in the region or if similar exports have already taken place undetected.
