China is obessesing over Pakistan's donkeys. Here's how it is hurting the poor

Over the past three years, Pakistan has seen a steady rise in its donkey population, thanks to growing demand from its all-weather ally, China. The hides of the animals are used in the production of ejiao, a gelatin used in traditional Chinese medicine, But it is draining poor Pakistani of their livelihood read more
Officials have shared that there are plans to export over 200,000 donkeys annually, and farms are now rearing special breeds, including American meant, for this meet China's demand. File image/Reuters
The China–Pakistan friendship is often described as 'higher than mountains, deeper than the ocean, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey'. Now, even Pakistani donkeys seem to be playing a role in strengthening this bond.
Over the past three years, Pakistan has seen a steady rise in its donkey population, thanks to growing demand from its all-weather ally, China. The humble farm animal is now turning into a valuable export for the cash-strapped nation.
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But as the demand rises, the profits aren't reaching everyone. Many local owners, who depend on the animal for their daily bread, are now finding it even harder to afford or replace them. For many, it's becoming a struggle to survive.
So, what exactly is driving China's interest in Pakistani donkeys? And how is this booming trade creating problems for local communities? Here's a look at everything that's going on.
The donkey boom in Pakistan
Over the past five years, Pakistan's donkey population has seen a noticeable rise, and it continues to grow steadily.
As per the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) for 2023–24, the number of donkeys in the country has now crossed 6 million, up from 5.9 million the previous year. Earlier figures show a gradual climb — 5.5 million in 2019–2020, and 5.6 million in 2020–2021.
Donkeys are, in fact, among the few animals in Pakistan whose numbers are on the rise. In contrast, populations of horses and mules have remained unchanged over the past five years, stuck at 0.4 million and 0.2 million, respectively.
One key reason behind this growth is the rising demand from China and Pakistan's readiness to tap into this opportunity.
To cater to this demand, dedicated donkey farms and slaughterhouses have been set up in areas such as Okara and Gwadar. In Gwadar, a $7 million facility was opened earlier this year specifically to process donkeys for export, mainly to China.
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Officials have shared that there are plans to export over 200,000 donkeys annually, and farms are now rearing special breeds, including American meant, for this growing market.
Muhammad Hanif, 50, a labourer bathes his
However, China earlier used to import its stock of donkeys from Niger and Burkina Faso, until the two West African countries banned their export. Since then, the country has become dependent on Pakistan for its supply.
Dr Guo Jing Feng, who operates a medical centre in Karachi, highlighted that China's need for donkey hides is expected to rise further. 'This is now a global trade,' he was quoted as saying in a PTI report. 'And China's demand is much higher than its supply.'
The Economic Survey also emphasised the government's focus on livestock as an economic driver. 'By implementing these measures, the government aims to stimulate growth in the livestock sector, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the country's overall economic growth and food security,' the report stated.
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But why does China want Pakistan's donkeys?
China is importing donkeys from Pakistan mainly to meet the rising demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine that's been used for over 3,000 years.
Ejiao is made by boiling gelatin from donkey hides and mixing it with herbs and other ingredients. According to a 2019 report by The Guardian, it's believed to help with immunity, bleeding issues, sleep quality, and overall energy levels.
To keep the ejiao industry running, an estimated 5.9 million donkey skins are needed — a demand that China's own shrinking donkey population can no longer meet.
Pakistan, which has one of the largest donkey populations in the world, only behind Ethiopia and Sudan, has become a key supplier for China.
Donkey traders say that Chinese buyers are so eager for hides that they're even purchasing weak or sick animals. In one such case, as reported by PTI, a group of buyers paid Rs 40,000 each for 14 unhealthy donkeys — just for their skins.
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China is importing donkeys from Pakistan mainly to meet the rising demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine made from donkey hides and has been in use for over 3,000 years. File image/ Reuters
But it's not just the hides that interest China. In Hebei province, donkey meat is considered a delicacy. Dishes like donkey meat burgers, or lǘròu huǒshāo in Chinese, are popular street foods, especially in cities like Baoding and Hejian.
On paper, a flourishing donkey trade looks like a win-win situation for cash-strapped Pakistan. But in reality, the boom in exports is having a painful impact back home.
How China's craze for donkeys is crushing Pakistan's poor
While the export of donkeys might seem like a good economic opportunity, it's creating serious problems for people in Pakistan who rely on these animals for their daily livelihood.
In rural and low-income areas across the country, donkeys play a crucial role. They carry water, transport bricks, pull carts, and do other hard labour that machinery often can't manage.
While the export of donkeys might seem like a good economic opportunity, it's creating serious problems for people in Pakistan who rely on these animals for their daily livelihood. File image/ Reuters
A 2019 study by equine charity Brooke estimated that a single donkey transports up to 1,000 kilograms of non-recyclable waste and 100 kilograms of recyclable waste every day.
Dr Sher Nawaz, regional manager of Brooke Pakistan (Sindh), told The Dawn that each donkey supports around six people, helping them earn between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 a day.
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But with China's demand rising, so are prices, pushing donkeys out of reach for many workers who desperately need them.
Just last week, Abdul Rasheed found himself in crisis after his donkey, Tiger — his only means of income — died in an accident. Now, without a cart, he has no way to earn a living. But buying a new donkey is simply too expensive.
Prices have soared to Rs 2 lakh in cities like Karachi, far more than the Rs 30,000 Rasheed paid for Tiger eight years ago.
Even at Lyari, Pakistan's biggest donkey market, the cost of a healthy donkey has skyrocketed. Rasheed says the cheapest one he could find was Rs 1.55 lakh. 'How can I afford that? Even if I somehow buy one, what if it dies before I recover my investment?' he asked.
But with China's demand rising, so are prices, pushing donkeys out of reach for many workers who desperately need them. File image/ Reuters
And Rasheed isn't alone. Across the country, many others who rely on donkeys for their day-to-day earnings are struggling with the same problem.
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Beyond the economic pressure, the growing export trade is also raising ethical and religious concerns.
Saleem Reza, a senior official of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pointed out a key issue. 'The government has to ensure even if donkeys are in demand by China, they must be sent there without being slaughtered in Pakistan,' he told PTI.
'Donkey meat is haram for us, and there has to be a process to ensure it is not used commercially, unethically, or illegally. There is a need to establish designated factories for the slaughtering and processing of hides and meat to ensure it does not circulate in Pakistani markets,' he added.
As the trade grows, so do the questions. For people like Rasheed, it's not just about donkeys. It's about dignity, survival, and the quiet struggle to keep moving forward.
With input from agencies

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