Why are beef and mutton prices surging in Pakistan?

In recent months, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, beef and mutton prices have witnessed a sharp surge in Pakistan, particularly in major cities like Karachi and Lahore.

Despite Pakistan’s status as an agricultural country and its capacity to produce a large number of cattle, sufficient to meet the country’s needs, the masses are compelled to purchase expensive meat. The reason behind this surge is nothing but excessive export and smuggling of meat and cattle from Pakistan to different countries.

Meat prices have witnessed a sharp surge in recent months. Mutton, which was priced at Rs1,900 per kg three months ago, now cast Rs2,200 to Rs2,400 per kg. Similarly, beef with bones, previously available at Rs900 per kg, now costs Rs1,150 per kg and boneless beef costs Rs1400 per kg after an increase of Rs.200 per kg.

In a recent interview with local media, the President of the All Pakistan Jamiat-ul-Quresh Meat Welfare Association, Khurshid Ahmed Qureshi, warned that excessive export and smuggling could lead to a shortage of meat in the country. He highlighted the alarming trend of meat being exported at high rates, resulting in a delicate balance between demand and supply within the nation. Qureshi expressed concern over the significant quantities of meat being shipped to Central Asian nations, exacerbating the local scarcity. Additionally, he noted the clandestine smuggling of animals to neighboring countries through Balochistan, further straining the domestic market.

If this trend persists, Qureshi warned of an imminent meat shortage shortly. Moreover, he anticipated a significant hike in sacrificial animal prices this year.

Echoing these sentiments, a statement issued by Jamiat ul Quresh criticized the country’s flawed export policies, which could lead to a severe meat deficit and subsequent price spikes. The association emphasized the potential ripple effect on the prices of over 100 other commodities, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and address the situation promptly.

Despite Pakistan’s abundance of high-quality animals, flawed policies have already rendered many in the meat industry unemployed. Qureshi advocated for a shift in focus towards exporting animal byproducts, which could generate substantial revenue for the government. He emphasized the necessity of halting meat exports and animal smuggling, asserting that intervention from the Prime Minister is essential to avert both economic and social repercussions. Qureshi called for a concerted effort to prioritize cattle farming to ensure a steady meat supply within the country.