Islamabad food authority seizes donkey meat in huge quantity in Tarnol raid

The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has confiscated 1,000 kilograms of donkey meat during a raid on an illegal slaughterhouse in Tarnol, located on the outskirts of the federal capital.

According to an IFA spokesperson, officials discovered over 50 live donkeys and a large quantity of pre-packed meat at the facility.

Preliminary investigations suggest the meat was being prepared for export.

IFA Director has ordered the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against those involved, while the seized meat is being destroyed by the Authority’s team.

Deputy Director Dr Tahira Siddique confirmed that one tonne of meat was recovered during the operation.

A foreign national found on the premises has been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway to determine other possible destinations for the illicit meat.

This development follows a Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) report released in June, which noted that Pakistan’s donkey population has increased by 109,000, reaching 6.047 million.

Read more: Donkey slaughterhouse established in Gwadar

The rise coincides with renewed interest from China, where donkey meat is consumed and donkey hides are used to produce e-jiao, a traditional medicinal gelatin.

Although previous exports were restricted due to procedural delays, relevant protocols have now been finalized, paving the way for expanded trade.