Prices for donkeys in Pakistan have reached a record high, driven by a sharp increase in demand for donkey meat in China, a local TV channel reported on Monday.
According to the report, donkeys that were previously priced between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 30,000 are now being sold for Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 120,000 — a dramatic price hike that has raised concerns among donkey cart owners who depend on the animals for their livelihoods.
In Karachi, the Layari donkey market, typically bustling with buyers and sellers, has seen a notable slowdown in transactions due to the steep rise in prices. Many buyers can no longer afford the significantly more expensive donkeys, leading to fewer deals, the report added.
Pakistan has recently signed an agreement with China under which the South Asian century will export meat and hides from 200,000 donkeys annually to China markets.
Donkey carts continue to play a crucial role in transporting goods across various parts of Karachi, where their low operating costs make them a more affordable alternative to motorized vehicles. However, the sharp increase in donkey prices could disrupt this mode of transportation, affecting local businesses and workers who rely on the animals for income.
The price surge underscores the growing international demand for donkey products, particularly in China, where donkey meat is considered a delicacy. This shift in market dynamics is creating challenges for Pakistan’s domestic donkey trade, impacting those who rely on the animals for work and transport.
