Foreigner arrested for selling donkey meat in Islamabad

Islamabad Food Authority recovered over 900 kg of donkey meat, 60 live donkeys from farmhouse in Tarnol


OSAMA IQBAL July 26, 2025 1 min read
Photo: Express

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ISLAMABAD:

Authorities in capital have uncovered a disturbing illegal meat operation at a farmhouse in the Tarnol area, where donkey meat was allegedly being processed for sale both locally and abroad.

The Islamabad Food Authority, backed by local police and district administration, conducted the raid and found approximately 25 maunds (over 900 kilograms) of meat, which was immediately destroyed. Officials also recovered around 60 live donkeys from the premises.

A foreign national found at the scene was arrested and handed over to police for further investigation. Early reports suggest the meat was not only being distributed locally, but was also allegedly part of a wider supply chain extending abroad.

Dr Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, said around 60 live donkeys were recovered from the property. “It was revealed that the meat was allegedly being supplied not only to the local market but also exported abroad,” she said.

Investigators believe the illegal business was being overseen by a Chinese national who had reportedly been active in Tarnol for an extended period. The farmhouse was being used without authorisation to prepare and distribute meat.

Read More: Man, son held for selling donkey meat

Further investigations are under way to trace the meat distribution network and identify the buyers involved, both domestically and internationally.

Dr Siddique stressed the seriousness of the issue: “Ensuring the availability of safe and quality food in Islamabad is the Food Authority’s top priority. We are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against those who endanger public health.”

The Food Authority has urged the public to report any suspicious activities or low-quality meat to the relevant authorities so such illegal operations can be dismantled swiftly.

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