Govt Limits Donkey Hide Exports to Gwadar Free Zone
The federal government has introduced a new policy restricting the export of donkey hides exclusively to registered slaughterhouses located in the Gwadar Free Zone (GFZ). This decision comes amid concerns about illegal slaughtering and the unethical sale of donkey meat disguised as beef in local markets.
The restriction is enforced under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act of 1950 and further outlined in the Export Policy Order (EPO) 2022, which regulates or bans specific goods, including donkey hides.
The issue first drew attention in 2015 when the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) raised alarms over rising donkey hide exports and associated malpractice. Following this, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) imposed a complete ban, instructing the MNFSR and provincial governments to act.
The latest move proposes lifting the ban but allowing exports only from approved facilities within Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the Gwadar Free Zone. According to officials, export protocols with China are already in place for donkey hides and meat, requiring strict supervision, sourcing from registered breeding farms, and transparent monitoring.
The updated proposal now emphasizes amending the Export Policy Order 2022 to ensure that donkey hide exports are permitted solely through registered slaughterhouses operating inside the Gwadar Free Zone.