Booming Chinese demand for donkey hides fuels black market resurgence

DNA

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has dismantled an illegal donkey slaughter operation in the Tarnol area near the federal capital, seizing over one tonne of meat and rescuing more than 50 donkeys destined for unregulated slaughter.

The raid conducted in coordination with local police and the district administration also led to the arrest of a foreign national, believed to be linked to a wider illegal network involved in the processing and export of donkey meat.

IFA Deputy Director Dr Tahira Siddique confirmed that 25 maunds (1,000 kilograms) of meat were found packed and ready for distribution, Geo Tv reported.

“Initial investigations suggest the meat was not only being sold locally but was also being prepared for export abroad, in violation of health, safety, and export regulations,” she said. “The meat was destroyed on site, and further legal action is underway,” she added.

Aa police case has been registered against the accused, and a full-scale investigation is now focused on identifying the buyers and supply chain networks connected to the operation.

The raid comes against the backdrop of soaring international demand for donkey hides and meat, particularly from China, where the animals are not only used in culinary practices but also form the backbone of the e-jiao industry—a traditional medicinal product made from donkey skin collagen.

The product has 3,000 years of history and is protected as a form of national cultural heritage, according to Chinese state media. China’s Shandong province alone accounts for 90% of the world’s e-jiao production.

To sustain this demand, millions of donkey hides are needed annually, according to a 2024 report by The Donkey Sanctuary, a UK-based animal welfare organization. This demand has triggered a sharp rise in illegal slaughter around the world and Pakistan is no exception.

Rawalpindi, 26 Jul /DNA/ – The Government of Pakistan has conferred the prestigious award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

In a formal investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the decoration upon General Kurilla, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to regional security and his dedicated efforts in strengthening strategic defence ties between the two countries.

General Kurilla’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and USCENTCOM. His consistent engagement reflects a profound respect for Pakistan’s central role in promoting peace and stability across the region.

The conferment of this distinguished honour reflects Pakistan’s deep appreciation for General Kurilla’s unwavering support and affirms the growing depth of the bilateral military partnership.

During his visit, General Kurilla held detailed meetings with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including the President of Pakistan and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff. Discussions encompassed regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint efforts to combat terrorism and emerging transnational threats.

This high-level recognition underscores the enduring strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States and reaffirms their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and long-term defence cooperation.

On arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla was presented with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 26: /DNA/ – A high-level meeting was held at the CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA board members, concerned Director Generals and other senior officers.

The meeting reviewed the preparations being made by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Administration and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) in line with the direction of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and supervision of the Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, to celebrate Independence Day and Marka -e-Haq in a befitting manner.

During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the hoisting of the national flag on government buildings across Islamabad, citywide illuminations and decorative lighting on all major roads including Constitution Avenue, Club Road, Srinagar Highway and Jinnah Avenue. Plans were also discussed to beautify the Federal Capital using digital streamers and LED lighting.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, said that in order to celebrate Marka-e-Haq with national spirit, various events would be organized across Islamabad. These include flag hoisting ceremonies, illumination of roads with colorful lights, cultural programs, fireworks, national song competitions and public events. Additionally, debate contests, painting competitions, national songs contests, and tableau shows will be held among school students.

All 279 parks of Islamabad will be beautifully decorated with lights besides football, cricket and peddle courts. Furthermore, branding related to Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day will be displayed on electric and other buses operating within the city.

Chairman CDA added that special measures are being taken to enhance cleanliness, ensure security, manage traffic, restore parks activate children’s swings and improve the aesthetic environment so that citizens can celebrate Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day with national pride and enthusiasm.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that stringent security arrangements will be made by CDA and Islamabad Police across the city during the Marka e Haq celebrations. These include checkpoints at entry and exit points, CCTV monitoring at key locations and deployment of special security teams to ensure peaceful execution of all events.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, said that the purpose of celebrating the Marka-e-Haq in a dignified manner is not only to pay tribute to our brave armed forces but also to recognize this battle as the beginning of a new era. He emphasized that the Marka-e-Haq is living proof that the Pakistani nation stands united and resilient in every difficult moment, ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with its valiant armed forces to defeat the malicious intentions of the enemy.

RAWALPINDI, JUL 26 /DNA/ – Pakistan hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference today in Islamabad, convening senior military leadership from the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This landmark multilateral engagement marked a significant stride toward advancing regional security cooperation, military diplomacy, and strategic dialogue among participating nations.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace”, the conference sought to reinforce security collaborations, enhance training initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in counterterrorism and other defence and security endeavours.

Field Marshal Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), formally welcomed the distinguished defence delegations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and constructive engagement across the region.

“In an era defined by transnational threats and complex hybrid challenges, the imperative for deeper military-to-military cooperation, strategic dialogue, and mutual trust is paramount. Pakistan remains fully committed to working with partner nations to build a secure and prosperous regional environment,” remarked the COAS.

The high-level dialogue featured comprehensive exchanges on regional security dynamics, the evolving strategic environment in Central and South Asia, and the necessity of joint training initiatives, counter-terrorism cooperation, and coordinated humanitarian responses during crises.

Delegates collectively reaffirmed their shared resolve to uphold peace, respect, national sovereignty, and confront common security threats including terrorism, cyber insecurity, and violent extremism among others.

Participants commended Pakistan’s leadership, hospitality, and initiative in fostering such inclusive and forward-looking defence diplomacy.

This strategic convergence reflects Pakistan’s enduring commitment to a secure, interconnected, and cooperative region, anchored in shared security interests and regional solidarity.=DNA

‎Quetta, Jul 26: /DNA/ – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Ahmad Bugti chaired a high-level special meeting on law and order at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta. During the meeting, the overall law and order situation in Balochistan, the ongoing operations against Fitna-e-Hindustan terrorists, and the performance of law enforcement agencies were reviewed.
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‎The meeting was attended by the Inspector General of Police Balochistan, IG Frontier Corps (North), DIG CTD, DIG Special Branch, DG Levies, officials from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department, and other senior officers from law enforcement agencies.

Despite a Decrease in Inflation, 11% Interest Rate is an Obstacle for Businesses: Atif Ikram

Saifullah Ansar

Islamabad, JUL 26: /DNA/ – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has demanded that the interest rate be reduced to six percent in the Monetary Policy meeting on July 30. This measure is crucial to tackle the challenges facing the national economy and to boost industrial and commercial activities. The country’s inflation rate has rapidly decreased to four percent, which is a welcome development. In such a situation, the current high interest rate of eleven percent is not only inappropriate but has also become a major obstacle for the private sector.

Addressing the Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations, FPCCI President Atif Ikram stated that the State Bank of Pakistan is set to announce its monetary policy on July 30. He urged them to provide strong arguments and statements in favor of reducing the interest rate to six percent. He emphasized that a reduction to six percent is essential for revitalizing industrial activity, enhancing export competitiveness, stimulating private sector investment, and saving the government 3.5 trillion rupees in debt servicing.

President Atif Ikram further elaborated that it has become impossible to run businesses at the current interest rate, as the cost of financing has exceeded limits, adversely affecting industrial production, employment, and exports. He stressed that unless the cost of doing business is reduced, the expansion of industrial activities and the investment climate cannot improve.