ISLAMABAD — A previously overlooked livestock sector is gaining renewed attention in Pakistan as government policy shifts aim to capitalise on growing international demand for donkey hides. Once relegated to agricultural utility, donkeys are now being positioned as a potential export earner.
The government has revoked a 2015 ban on donkey hide exports and altered the Export Policy Order on October 2, 2025, to permit shipments—but only from approved slaughterhouses in the Gwadar Free Zone, under strict regulatory oversight.
Analysts and officials see strong synergies with China, where demand for donkey-derived products used in traditional medicine is rising. Last month’s China-Pakistan Donkey Industry Development Forum in Islamabad led to accords between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Sangyang Industrial to explore contract farming models.
At present, Pakistan harbours roughly 5.9 million working donkeys, predominantly in rural areas. Historically undervalued for their economic potential, donkeys are now viewed as an asset that could generate income through breeding, processing, logistics, and research.
But the path forward faces challenges:
- Animal welfare and sustainability: Large-scale commercialisation risks intensifying pressure on vulnerable communities that rely on donkeys for daily livelihood tasks such as transport and water collection.
- Cultural and social objections: Donkey meat carries social stigma in Pakistan, and the revival of the hide trade may spark public backlash if not handled transparently.
- Regulatory enforcement: Ensuring traceability, hygiene, and compliance across slaughter and handling procedures will be crucial to prevent illicit trade and maintain credibility with international buyers.
If managed carefully, the initiative could bolster rural incomes and diversify Pakistan’s export base. But failure to address social and regulatory concerns may turn a unique opportunity into a politically sensitive flashpoint.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.