Islamabad 28 July: Irfan Memon DC Islamabad, has confirmed that the recent seizure of donkey meat in the city’s Tarnol area followed a full week of surveillance and planning by the authority’s teams.
In an official statement, Memon said the Islamabad Authorities had received intelligence about illegal donkey slaughter activities a week prior. The teams worked covertly to confirm the reports and prepare for a raid aimed at catching those responsible in the act.
“When our team arrived at the location, we recovered 1,000 kilograms of butchered donkey meat and 40 live donkeys,” Memon stated.
A foreign butcher and a local security guard were arrested at the scene. According to Memon, the illegal activity had been taking place for at least two weeks before the raid.
Islamabad authorities are now investigating how many donkeys were slaughtered before the raid, where the meat was distributed, and whether it reached the local market, foreign nationals, or areas outside of Islamabad.
“There are reports suggesting that some of the meat may have been supplied to foreign residents, and possibly sent out of Islamabad as well. However, we are still verifying these claims and no conclusive evidence has yet been found,” Memon added.
The Islamabad authorities have assured the public of its strict monitoring of food safety violations and urged citizens to report any suspicious meat vendors or facilities operating without proper licensing.
READ MORE:Pakistan to Launch Donkey Meat Exports to China from Gwadar
The case remains under investigation, and further legal action is expected.
The raid, prompted by a tip-off, was led by Deputy Director of IFA, Dr. Tahira Siddique, who confirmed the meat’s destruction under official supervision.
A foreign national, reportedly a Chinese national involved in the operation, was arrested at the scene; local collaborators are still being sought. An FIR has been registered under Sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety Act, 2021, covering offences such as unlawful food sale, unsafe or substandard food, and unsanitary conditions. Food samples have been sent for lab testing as part of ongoing investigations.
Officials are exploring whether the meat was intended for local distribution, export, or foreign nationals residing in Islamabad. Investigators are also probing the broader meat-supply network to trace distribution chains.
Authorities emphasized that consumption of donkey meat without proper certification and hygiene control poses significant public health risks, including potential zoonotic diseases. Dr. Siddique stated that the IFA operates a zero-tolerance policy to protect consumer safety in Islamabad.
The incident also raises regulatory concerns about the food supply chain, highlighting weaknesses in oversight of meat markets and potential abuse of meat certification systems. The IFA has urged citizens to report suspicious meat vendors or unlicensed slaughterhouses
