The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has said that Punjab is home to around 2.4 million donkeys, making it the province with the biggest donkey population in the country.

Sindh comes second with over 1 million donkeys, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has close to 782,000 donkeys. Balochistan has the lowest donkey population at about 630,000, and Islamabad has just around 4,000 donkeys.

These numbers show a clear pattern: donkeys are mostly found in Punjab and other agricultural provinces. Donkeys are vital in rural areas where they help with transportation, farming, and carrying goods.

Also Read: India to release water in Sutlej River, PDMA issues alert

Their growing numbers reflect how much they are still needed for daily life in many parts of Pakistan. Donkeys have been used for centuries in Pakistan, especially in farming communities, because they are strong, reliable, and easy to care for.

While modern vehicles have replaced them in cities, donkeys remain essential in rural and mountainous areas where roads are less developed.

Punjab’s large donkey population highlights the province’s deep connection to traditional farming and rural transport. Despite urban growth and mechanization, donkeys remain a backbone for many families, helping them carry loads and work fields where vehicles cannot go.

This also points to the need for better animal welfare programs to support these hardworking animals and the communities that rely on them.