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First Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Animal sacrifice hits hard amid skyrocketing prices this Eid
Dealers of sacrificial animals have been ordered by Multan admin to sell only in designated areas. PHOTO: FILE As Lahore observes Eid-ul-Adha today, the focus has shifted from bustling cattle markets to the traditional sacrifices that mark the festival. However, many citizens are expressing concern over the soaring cost of livestock and the ineffective enforcement of price and safety regulations. In the days leading up to Eid, cattle markets across the city were packed with buyers and animals arriving from regions such as South Punjab. Yet despite the festive spirit, shoppers were left frustrated by what they say were unjustified price hikes. "A calf or bull that cost between Rs150,000 and Rs250,000 last year is now being sold for Rs350,000 to Rs500,000," said Muhammad Hanif, a buyer at the Shahpur Kanjran Cattle Market. "Even goats and sheep are priced as high as Rs250,000 to Rs300,000." Kamran Bhatti, a resident of Valencia Town, echoed the sentiment. "There's no pricing mechanism at all. Sellers are quoting whatever they wantsome are demanding up to a million rupees for a pair of small animals," he said. "The government should promote local breeding and invest in livestock farming to stabilise the market and generate employment." Livestock traders, however, blamed the increased prices on rising operational costs. "We're not overchargingour own costs have gone up significantly," said Sadaqat Ali, a trader who brought animals from Multan. "High fuel prices, transport expenses, and labour wages have pushed up our overheads. If the government addresses these issues, livestock prices will automatically come down." To ensure organised and hygienic trading, the Lahore district administration established six official cattle markets. In addition to the permanent market at Shahpur Kanjran, five temporary facilities were set up at key locations across the city, including Haveli Markaz near Spring Mill (Raiwind zone), the Sports Complex near Adda Rakh Chabeel (Wahga zone), LDA City on Defence Road (Nishtar zone), Mouza Nain Sukh near Saggian Bridge (Ravi zone), and Burki Road near Paragon City (Cantonment zone). In a bid to maintain public order and sanitation, the Punjab government also imposed Section 144 across the province from June 5 to June 11.
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India.com
04-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Exposed: Inside Pakistan's Brutal Crackdown In Balochistan – Killings, Kidnappings And Silence
Geneva/Balochistan/New Delhi: Blood on the sand. Balochistan bleeds again. Pakistan hunts its own. Killings. Kidnappings. Torture. Global watchdogs raise alarm. No action. No justice. Voices vanish. Bodies dumped. Families shattered. And ironically, the world stays silent. Balochistan screams in daylight. The Baloch human rights group, Paank, has condemned the recent alleged extrajudicial killings of Samiullah (son of Muhammad Hanif) and Bismillah (son of Ghulam Sarwar), whose bullet-ridden bodies were discovered on June 3 in the Ganda Gain neighbourhood of Kalat. The two young men, residents of Padang Abad, Mastung, were abducted by Pakistani security agencies on May 29, only to be found lifeless and tossed aside like trash. 'This is not law enforcement; it is a barbaric campaign of annihilation,' Paank posted on X. Paank unequivocally condemns the extrajudicial killing of Samiullah son of Muhammad Hanif and Bismillah son of Ghulam Sarwar, residents of Padang Abad, Mastung district, whose bodies were discovered on June 3, 2025, in the Ganda Gain area of Sheikhri, Kalat. Levies sources… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 4, 2025 Levies sources confirmed to news agency ANI the brutality and said the victims were shot, discarded and later transported to RHC Mangochar. The purported massacre joins a list of alleged atrocities being documented month after month in Balochistan, including 'staged encounters, torture and targeted assassinations'. The figures speak volumes. Just in February, Paank recorded five 'extrajudicial' killings and 33 'enforced disappearances'. The body of Mehrab, tortured to death, was found in Kech on April 6. Another, Rehana, was allegedly gunned down in Awaran while trying to save her husband from abduction. Sher Khan Nazar was allegedly kidnapped on April 15. Zabid Ali was reportedly pulled from his home in Chaghi on May 11. These are not only numbers; they are lives erased and families destroyed. Paank strongly condemns the continued practice of enforced disappearances carried out by Pakistani security forces in #Balochistan On June 4, 2025, Pakistani forces extrajudicially detained Babu Jan, son of Muhammad Shafa, from his home in Killi Bahram Shai, Mastung district, at… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 4, 2025 Paank demands the safe and prompt recovery of three members of the same family who were forcibly disappeared in Pidarak area in Kech district #Balochistan 1. On June 3,2025, Sinkandar Baloch, son of Muhammad Anwar , a resident of Pidarak area in Kech district of Balochistan,… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 4, 2025 Paank unequivocally condemns the extrajudicial killing of Samiullah son of Muhammad Hanif and Bismillah son of Ghulam Sarwar, residents of Padang Abad, Mastung district, whose bodies were discovered on June 3, 2025, in the Ganda Gain area of Sheikhri, Kalat. Levies sources… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 4, 2025 Paank strongly condemns the ongoing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, exemplified by the brutal murder of Muslim Baloch in Khuzdar on June 3, 2025. Summoned by a death squad led by Shafiq Mengal and executed en route, Muslim Baloch's killing… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 4, 2025 Paank strongly condemns the enforced disappearances of two Baloch youths by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in #Karachi. On May 30, 2025, Lal Muhammad Bugti, son of Aitbar Khan from Naseerabad, #Balochistan, was forcibly detained by CTD from Anwar Marri Goth, Karachi.… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 2, 2025 Paank expresses grave concern over the alarming wave of enforced disappearances carried out by Pakistani security forces on June 1, 2025, in #Balochistan. At least seven individuals including Khalil Ahmed, Muhammad Wafa, Asim Farooq, Aurangzeb Muhammad Shahi, Ghulam Jan Shahwani,… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 1, 2025 Paank strongly condemns the continued practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, where Pakistani security forces are systematically targeting civilians. •On May 29, 2025, Samiullah, son of Muhammad Hanif, and Bismillah, son of Ghulam Sarwar both residents of Padang… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 1, 2025 Paank stands in solidarity with the campaign demanding justice for the victims of enforced disappearances. We urge everyone to raise their voice, unite, and stand against injustice. Join the online campaign for the safe release of Bahram Wahid, a 15-year-old matriculation… — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 1, 2025 Paank stands in solidarity with the campaign to demand justice for the victims of enforced disappearances. We urge everyone to raise their voice, unite, and stand against injustice. Join the online campaign to demand the safe release of Aimal Baloch. Date: 2 June 2025 … — Paank (@paank_bnm) June 1, 2025 Paank condemns escalating state violence in Awaran #Balochistan Paank strongly condemns the extrajudicial killing of Sageer Ahmed, a police employee and resident of Gwrjak Mashkai, who was brutally shot dead by a state-backed death squad in Shareeki Awaran, on May 30, 2025.… — Paank (@paank_bnm) May 31, 2025 PAANK strongly condemns the continued abduction of Baloch civilians by Pakistani security forces. •On May 8, Jumma Buzdar was forcibly disappeared from Kingri, Musakhel. •On May 9, Nasarullah Buzdar and his father Jamaluddin were abducted from Radasham, Musakhel. •On May 9,… — Paank (@paank_bnm) May 31, 2025 The tragic list grows: Zarina Marri abducted (still missing). Brahumdagh Bugti's sister & niece killed. Dr. Allah Nizar's wife & Prof. Aslam's sister abducted. Mahal, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Gulzadi, Beebo Baloch, and now Majiben Baloch. When will this end?! #Balochistan… — Noora Baloch (@noorabaloch2) June 4, 2025 As international human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch call on Pakistan to end this brutality, Islamabad continues to hide behind impunity. Meanwhile, the alleged clampdown continues. The Balochistan Home Department has extended the detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Shah Ji Sibghatullah by another 30 days under the notorious Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. It is his third consecutive extension. Arrested in April, he was first allegedly held in an undisclosed location before being moved to Hudda Jail. The state's condition for release? Stay away from protests, sit-ins and political activism. He refused. 'The judiciary must not obey the orders of the military and intelligence agencies. Unfortunately, both judges have surrendered the principles of justice to the state's will,' said the BYC while slamming the Balochistan High Court for rejecting release petitions. The state's paranoia about dissent is now allegedly spilling over to women and students. On June 4, protesters flooded the streets of Basima in Washuk district, demanding the immediate release of Mahjabeen Baloch and her brother Younus, allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces on May 29 and May 24 respectively. No warrant. No charges. No court. Just vanishing in plain sight. Mahjabeen, a student of library science at the University of Balochistan, was allegedly dragged out of her hostel in Quetta by intelligence operatives. Her brother was reportedly snatched from their home. Since then, the family has received no word. The Baloch Women Forum called the act an 'act of cowardice' and demanded her unconditional release. 'This is becoming intolerable and intense,' the forum said. Sabiha Baloch of BYC minced no words, 'The state is blatantly continuing genocide against the Baloch. Our youth are being disappeared in daylight and darkness. Now they've started targeting women and children.' The protesters in Basima warned of a province-wide uprising if the siblings are not freed within 24 hours. 'If anything happens to Mahjabeen or Younus, the state and its institutions will be held fully responsible,' they declared. This is what #Balochistan looks like: tanks roll in, homes are burned, drones hover, & families run for their lives.#Pakistan's military doesn't bring peace—it brings destruction. This is the reality #Baloch people face.#PakistanTerroristState #FreeBalochistan @UN_OCT @hrw — Shanaaz Baloch (@ShanaazBaloch) June 3, 2025 Pakistan's alleged dark underbelly of terror in Balochistan has been laid bare – a 'terrifying blend of military might, intelligence cover-ups, judicial silence and systematic erasure of dissent'. While Islamabad lectures the world on democracy and sovereignty, it continues to crush an entire people within its borders. (With ANI inputs)
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Baloch movement: Pak accused of extrajudicial killings; outifts seek probe into forced disappearances
Baloch human rights group Paank strongly condemned the killing of two Baloch men whose bodies were found in Kalat, calling it another disturbing sign of growing violence and repression in the region. Samiullah, son of Muhammad Hanif, and Bismillah, son of Ghulam Sarwar, both residents of Padang Abad in Mastung district, were found dead on 3 June in the Ganda Gain neighbourhood of Sheikhri, Kalat. According to Levies officials, both men had been brutally shot, their bodies discarded and later transported to RHC Mangochar for formalities. Paank, in a post on X said, 'Forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces on May 29, 2025, their executions are a glaring testament to the ongoing horrors of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, a despicable violation of humanity that must be stopped.' The rights organisation said 2025 has already seen a surge in such cases. In February alone, Paank documented five extrajudicial executions and 33 enforced disappearances. Among the victims were Bashir Ahmad Marri and Arman Marri, who were reportedly executed in a staged encounter after being abducted in 2023. The group also referred to the tragic case of Rehana, who was shot dead in Awaran while trying to prevent her husband's kidnapping. In April, Mehrab and Khan Mohammad were tortured to death in Kech after disappearing earlier in the month, while the tortured body of Sher Khan Nazar was discovered in Turbat two days after he went missing. Most recently, Zabid Ali, a resident of Chaghi, was abducted from his home on 11 May. In a separate post on X, Paank demanded the safety and recovery of three members of the family who 'were forcibly disappeared in Pidarak area in Kech district.' On June 3, 2025, Pakistani security forces allegedly carried out a series of enforced disappearances in the Pidarak area of Kech district, Balochistan. Among those abducted from their homes were Sinkandar Baloch, son of Muhammad Anwar; Siddique Sabzal, son of Sabzal Baloch; and Ibrahim Yaqoob, son of Yaqoob Baloch. All three men were reportedly detained without any legal process, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Enforced disappearances remain one of Balochistan's most alarming human rights crises. International watchdogs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly urged the Pakistani state to investigate these abuses and take meaningful steps to end the practice, which leaves families traumatised and communities in fear.
Express Tribune
06-05-2025
- Express Tribune
25 booked for blocking road
The police have registered a case against 25 people on charges of blocking a road by parking vehicles on a bypass and injuring citizens by beating them with sticks while they were passing by. Two injured passers-by were shifted to a hospital. According to the police Sub-Inspector Muhammad Hanif posted at Thikriwala police station filed a case which stated that he was on patrol when Rescue 15 received information that some people had blocked the road near 64 JB. The accused were reported to be injuring citizens by hitting them with sticks and damaging the vehicles. When he reached the spot on this information, Tajamul Hussain son of Muhammad Hussain resident of Ismail Green was inciting the people who, along with twenty unknown persons, were holding firearms 30 Bore and sticks. The accused had blocked the road by parking vehicles on the road and were beating up the passers-by and threatening them. The protesters who blocked the road injured Zubair Rashid and Umair Rashid, sons of Abdul Rashid, resident of 61 JB with sticks.
