A donkey slaughterhouse has been established in Gwadar, Balochistan, and has begun operations, officials from the Ministry of Food Security revealed at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Food Security.

Ministry officials stated that a deal has been struck with China for the export of donkey hides and bones. A Chinese company will be responsible for operations at the Gwadar facility.

Committee members questioned why live donkeys weren’t being exported to China instead. Ministry officials explained that exporting live animals is significantly more complex.

They added that the ministry is receiving requests for the establishment of similar slaughterhouses in other parts of the country and is currently in talks with other Chinese companies regarding potential partnerships.

Rana Muhammad Hayat, a committee member, noted the declining use of donkeys in Pakistan due to the increased use of motorized vehicles and advocated for breeding programs to improve the quality of the donkey population.