Illegal Slaughterhouse Busted; Foreign National Detained
In a major operation, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) uncovered an illegal slaughterhouse in Tarnol, just outside the capital, seizing approximately 1,000 kilograms of donkey meat. The raid also led to the discovery of over 50 live donkeys and the arrest of a foreign national suspected of involvement in the operation.
According to IFA officials, the confiscated meat was packaged and appeared to be intended for export. The Director of the IFA has ordered a First Information Report (FIR) against those responsible, and the seized meat is now being destroyed by the authority’s enforcement team.
Dr. Tahira Siddique, the IFA’s Deputy Director, confirmed that a full metric ton of meat was recovered during the raid. Investigations are ongoing to determine the broader distribution network and whether any of the meat had already been dispatched elsewhere.
Donkey Trade on the Rise
Recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows the country’s donkey population has grown by 109,000 in the past year, reaching over 6 million. This increase aligns with growing international demand—particularly from China, where donkey meat and hides are highly sought after.
In Chinese cuisine, donkey meat holds culinary value, while the animal’s hides are crucial in the production of e-jiao, a traditional gelatin used in Chinese medicine. Although exports had previously been delayed due to incomplete trade protocols, those issues have reportedly been resolved.
Reuters reported last year that China’s demand for e-jiao contributes to the slaughter of millions of donkeys annually across the globe. Earlier this year, Geo News highlighted that a slaughterhouse in Gwadar had begun operations to cater to this rising demand from China.
Global Pressure from E-Jiao Industry
According to a February report by the UK-based charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, the e-jiao industry consumes nearly 5.9 million donkey skins every year. This has placed significant stress on global donkey populations, prompting concerns from animal welfare advocates.
The product, with a 3,000-year history, is deeply rooted in China’s traditional medicine culture. Shandong province, where about 90% of e-jiao is produced, considers it a cultural treasure and a cornerstone of its medicinal heritage, as reported by China Daily.
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