Senate committee reviews Pakistan's ban on donkey product exports amid rising demand in China
Donkey
The matter of donkey meat and hides was brought up in Pakistan's Parliament, with the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce addressing the issue on Thursday (5September).
Export ban on donkey products under review
According to The Nation, a local newspaper, the Committee examined the export of donkey meat and hides, a trade that has been banned since November 2023.
The meeting, led by Senator Anusha Rahman, took place at Parliament House. Other participants included Senators Sarmad Ali, Muhammad Tallal Badar, Faisal Saleem Rahman, Saleem Mandviwalla, Bilal Ahmed Khan, along with the Federal Minister for Commerce, the Commerce Ministry's Secretary, and several other officials from related departments.
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Discussions revolved around the export of donkey hides and meat, with the possibility of further restrictions on this practice being considered. Pakistan is the third-largest donkey producer in the world, and there is significant demand for these products in China, where they are highly valued. The Commerce Ministry is interested in tapping into this demand to bring in foreign currency through exports.
Export arrangements with China finalised
As per reports from July this year, Pakistan finalised arrangements for exporting donkey skins and meat to China. The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was made aware of these developments.
Growing demand of donkey hides for traditional medicine production in China
Donkeys are particularly valuable in China, where their skins are used to create traditional medicines. Gelatin derived from donkey hides is believed to have medicinal benefits, such as improving blood health and boosting immunity.
Donkey population sees steady growth in Pakistan
According to the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24, the country's donkey population grew by 1.72% in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching 5.9 million. The survey data reveals that in 2019-20, the number of donkeys was 5.5 million, increasing steadily each year to 5.9 million in 2023-24.