Demand for Donkey Meat in China Drives Up Prices in Pakistan

Due to the rising demand for donkey meat in China, the prices of donkeys in Pakistan have surged. According to traders, donkeys that used to cost around PKR 20,000 are now being sold for as high as PKR 80,000. This increase has placed a financial burden on those who rely on donkey carts for their livelihood.

In Karachi’s Lyari area, the donkey market is bustling with buyers and sellers, but transactions are difficult due to the high prices. Traders attribute this price hike to the increased demand in China and the rising cost of feed.

Donkey cart drivers report that animals previously priced between PKR 20,000 to PKR 30,000 are now fetching between PKR 80,000 and PKR 100,000. Despite modernization, donkey carts are still used on some Karachi streets for transporting heavy loads.