Authorities confiscated approximately 25 maunds (around 1,000 kg) of donkey meat and rescued over 50 live donkeys from a private farmhouse.

The raid, carried out alongside local police and district officials, discovered both the donkey carcasses and live animals being held illegally at the premises in Tarnol. A foreign national, reportedly overseeing part of the illicit trade, was arrested at the scene and handed over to the police for further investigation. Dr. Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director of IFA, confirmed the meat is being destroyed and that a case has been registered against those responsible.

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Officials are probing into whether the seized meat was destined for local markets or was part of a cross-border supply chain. As per early reports, the meat could have been linked to export channels. This raises significant concerns about international trafficking of donkey meat products.

As Pakistan is home to nearly 5.9 million donkeys, many of the donkeys are raised for labour and transport. However, in recent years, international interest has been drawn to donkey meat, more specifically from China, where donkey hides are processed into e jiao, a traditional medicinal gelatin.

Often, donkey meat is disguised as ground products to be used in restaurants. This raid highlights how unchecked trade poses public health risks and ethical concerns.

The news has sparked public shock and empathy, especially online, where users expressed concern over the mistreatment of animals:

“Poor donkeys get the worst in life and death both.”

“Donkeys are great and loving animals.”

IFA officials have appealed to the public to report any suspicious meat distribution activities. Citizens are advised to avoid buying meat from unverified vendors and to inform authorities if they suspect food hygiene violations.