By: Ashis Sinha Posted on

Islamabad: In a bold and controversial economic pivot, Pakistan has turned to an unlikely resource—donkeys—to boost its struggling economy, approving the export of donkey meat and hides to China amid rising global demand. Pakistan has formally approved the export of donkey meat and hides, in a calibrated move to diversify its export basket and generate foreign exchange, with China identified as the primary destination market.

Policy Clearance at Federal Level

The decision was approved by Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), a key federal body that vets major economic policies. Officials confirmed that exports will be allowed under a regulated framework, with strict veterinary, hygiene, and traceability standards in place.

Rather than a blanket nationwide rollout, the government has limited the activity to designated facilities—particularly within the Gwadar Free Zone—to ensure monitoring and prevent illegal trade.

Why Donkey Products?

The policy is driven largely by sustained demand in China, where donkey-derived products have established commercial and cultural value:

  • Ejiao industry: Donkey hides are processed into ejiao, a traditional gelatin used in Chinese medicine and wellness products.
  • Meat consumption: Donkey meat is consumed in several regions and is part of niche food markets.

Pakistan, with an estimated donkey population exceeding six million—among the largest globally—views this as a largely untapped livestock segment with export potential.

Gwadar Hub and Chinese Investment

A Chinese-backed company operating in the Gwadar Free Zone has reportedly been authorised to process and export donkey meat. Initial projections suggest shipments could scale up gradually, potentially reaching dozens of containers per month once the supply chain stabilises.

The Gwadar facility is equipped to meet international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, a prerequisite for exporting animal products to global markets.

Economic Calculus

The move is part of broader efforts by the government led by Shehbaz Sharif to stabilise the economy and expand non-traditional exports. Officials expect multiple benefits:

  • New foreign exchange inflows
  • Job creation in livestock processing and logistics
  • Better utilisation of underused animal resources
  • Strengthened trade linkages with China under ongoing bilateral cooperation frameworks

However, authorities have not publicly projected a precise revenue figure yet, indicating the sector is still in an early, pilot phase.

Safeguards and Restrictions

To address domestic sensitivities and prevent misuse, the government has laid down key conditions:

  • Export-only processing—donkey meat is not meant for domestic consumption channels
  • Mandatory processing at approved, monitored facilities
  • Veterinary certification and compliance with international export standards

These safeguards are intended to avoid a repeat of past incidents involving illegal slaughterhouses and unregulated meat supply.

Concerns and Debate

The policy has triggered mixed reactions:

  • Cultural sensitivity: Donkey meat is not commonly consumed in Pakistan, and its handling remains socially sensitive.
  • Animal population risks: Experts caution that unchecked demand could lead to overexploitation if breeding and sustainability measures are not enforced.
  • Regulatory challenges: Ensuring strict oversight across the supply chain will be critical to maintaining credibility in export markets.

The Bottom Line

Pakistan’s entry into the donkey meat and hide export market is a pragmatic, demand-driven step aligned with global trade realities—particularly China’s growing ejiao industry. While the initiative opens a new export avenue, its long-term viability will depend on regulation, sustainability, and the government’s ability to manage both economic opportunity and domestic concerns.

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