Pakistan has started commercial exports of donkey meat to China for the first time. According to reports, a container carrying 27 tonnes of frozen donkey meat, shipped three weeks ago from the Gwadar Free Economic Zone, has arrived in China and been introduced to the market.
The exporting company says it plans to increase shipments to the Chinese market in the coming months, with a target of exporting at least 40 containers every month.
Officials said the donkeys are collected from different parts of Pakistan, particularly Punjab and Sindh provinces, and transported to Gwadar for processing under the supervision of relevant authorities.
Trade experts, however, warn that due to growing demand from the Chinese market, Pakistan needs to introduce dedicated programmes for donkey breeding and population growth; otherwise, the country could face a shortage of donkeys in the coming years.
