Two Chinese companies have officially applied for licenses to export donkey meat and byproducts from Pakistan, marking the nation’s first attempt to enter the regulated trade of this niche but high-demand product. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research is currently reviewing these applications.
Exports will be managed exclusively through the Gwadar port in Balochistan, where an approved and designated slaughterhouse is ready for operations. However, exports can only begin after all regulatory and bilateral agreements with China are finalized.
To maintain control and oversight, donkey meat processing outside the Gwadar facility has been strictly prohibited. This measure ensures the supply chain remains compliant with regulations and avoids domestic distribution. Hengyang, one of the Chinese companies, has already signed a protocol with Pakistani authorities. Once cleared, Hengyang will begin exporting meat and bones, potentially generating foreign exchange revenue for Pakistan.
Illegal Donkey Meat Operation Discovered in Islamabad
The formal licensing initiative follows a major crackdown on an illegal donkey meat operation near Islamabad. On July 27, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) raided a facility in Tarnol, where 1,000 kilograms of meat and 40 live donkeys were discovered. Two individuals, including a foreign national, were arrested.
Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Memon, stated that the raid was the result of a week-long intelligence operation. Authorities suspect the illegal meat may have been intended for domestic or international clients, but investigations continue. Officials also confirmed that no donkey meat has been found in local restaurants over the past two years, thanks to ongoing inspections by the IFA to uphold food safety standards.
China’s Growing Appetite for Donkey Products
China remains the largest consumer of donkey meat and hides worldwide, largely due to its demand for e-jiao, a traditional medicinal product made from donkey gelatin. The northern province of Shandong, which produces 90% of e-jiao, regards the product as part of its cultural heritage. The industry requires approximately 5.9 million donkey skins each year, putting pressure on global donkey populations. With a declining domestic supply, China is increasingly looking to countries like Pakistan to meet demand.
To cater to this export opportunity, a facility in Gwadar has already begun production. However, large-scale exports are pending final regulatory approvals. Pakistan’s increasing donkey population, now at 6.047 million according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, provides ample resources to meet this demand.
Officials are optimistic that, if strictly regulated, donkey meat and byproduct exports could provide economic benefits to Pakistan while curbing illegal and unethical practices.
