Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, appeared on the Aaj News programme Rubaroo on Saturday where he responded to several questions related to bilateral relations including security and trade. He also answered the question about donkeys exported to China.

Last year, Pakistan signed a protocol with China for exporting donkey meat and hides to China. The agreement was made between the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the General Administration of Customs.

With an estimated donkey population of 5.9 million, Pakistan sees China as a crucial market for donkey meat, which is utilised in various cuisines and for the production of Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicinal gelatin. Previous export efforts were hindered by delays in finalising this protocol, which has now been completed.

According to reports, Hangeng Group is set to establish a donkey slaughterhouse in the Gwadar Free Zone. The facility is expected to process up to 216,000 donkeys annually for meat and hides.

“Such statements were not factual,” the ambassador said when asked why there was a high demand for donkeys in China.

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He explained that the importing country uses the animals’ skin and some ingredients for traditional Chinese medicine.

“There is an official regulatory system with a registration process in place. Each application is thoroughly researched to determine if the facility operates as a slaughterhouse at a level that allows for reproduction. If it does not, a license cannot be granted,” Hashmi said.