The Truth About Donkey Meat in Pakistan: Myth, Reality, and the Moral Responsibility.

The Truth About Donkey Meat in Pakistan: Myth, Reality, and the Moral Responsibility.

In recent days, disturbing reports have surfaced in various parts of Pakistan alleging the illegal sale of donkey meat in local markets, particularly in the guise of mutton or beef. This revelation has sparked public outrage, religious concern, and a barrage of questions regarding its authenticity, legality, and ethical implications. Is donkey meat truly being sold and consumed? Why would anyone engage in such deceitful practice? And how can this be stopped?

This article aims to address these questions with verified information, religious guidance, and practical solutions.

Is Donkey Meat Really Being Sold in Pakistan?

The reports of donkey meat being sold in Pakistan are not entirely fictional. Over the past few years, multiple crackdowns by food authorities (e.g., Punjab Food Authority) have confirmed instances where donkey meat was discovered in slaughterhouses, restaurants, and even in processed frozen forms.

In 2023 and 2024 alone, several cases in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Karachi involved arrests of individuals selling donkey meat disguised as beef or mutton. Most of these operations were illegal, conducted without the knowledge of consumers, often in highly unhygienic conditions.

So yes, this is a real issue—not a myth, although not as widespread as some rumors suggest.

Why Is This Happening?

There are several reasons behind the illegal sale of donkey meat:

1. Economic Greed: Donkey meat is significantly cheaper than mutton or beef. Unscrupulous suppliers take advantage of the price gap to make quick profits by selling donkey meat at higher rates under false labels.

2. Lack of Regulation and Enforcement: Despite existing food safety laws, the implementation in some regions remains weak. Corruption, limited inspections, and understaffed regulatory bodies allow such practices to flourish.

3. Export Demand from China: There have been reports that donkey skins and gelatin are in high demand in Chinese traditional medicine (e.g., Ejiao). This has created a black market for donkeys—both for their meat and their skin—fueling illegal slaughterhouses.

Islamic Perspective: Is Donkey Meat Halal or Haram?

From an Islamic standpoint, domesticated donkey meat is considered Haram (forbidden) based on clear Hadiths.

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA):

“On the day of Khaibar, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade eating the flesh of domesticated donkeys and permitted the flesh of horses.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Therefore, consumption of donkey meat is not permissible in Islam, making its sale under false pretense not only a legal but a spiritual crime.

The Moral and Health Implications

• Deception: Selling donkey meat as beef or mutton is outright fraud. It violates both business ethics and the trust between seller and consumer.

• Health Hazards: Donkeys are not raised under hygienic, food-grade standards. Their meat may carry diseases such as anthrax, tetanus, or parasites not typically found in inspected livestock.

• Animal Cruelty: The inhumane treatment of donkeys in illegal slaughterhouses is a serious animal rights violation.

How Can This Be Stopped?

To tackle this issue effectively, both governmental actions and public awareness are needed:

1. Strengthen Regulation

• Increase funding and training for food authorities like PFA.

• Random meat sampling and DNA testing at butcher shops.

• Introduce traceability systems for meat supply chains.

2. Strict Punishments

• Enforce heavy fines and jail time for those caught selling forbidden meat.

• Close down illegal slaughterhouses permanently.

3. Public Education

• Inform people about the signs of suspicious meat (color, smell, texture).

• Encourage people to buy meat from certified and registered outlets only.

• Religious scholars should issue public statements to clarify the sinfulness of consuming such meat.

4. Ban Export of Donkeys Without Regulation

• Any export of donkeys or their parts must be under strict government oversight, ensuring that it does not contribute to local criminal activities.

Conclusion

The illegal sale of donkey meat in Pakistan is a real, ethically alarming, and religiously forbidden issue. While it may not be as widespread as some viral posts suggest, its existence demands immediate action from both authorities and civil society.

As Muslims and as citizens, we must reject any such deceitful practice. Consumers should demand transparency. Sellers must fear God and the law. And the government must wake up to its duty to protect public health, morality, and the image of our food industry.

Let us raise our voice: Say No to Haram, No to Fraud, and No to Injustice.

I Syed Ali Raza Shah Naqvi Bukhari is the Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” I am advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.