ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has seized 25 maunds of donkey meat in a major crackdown in the Tarnol area, officials confirmed on Sunday. The raid, launched on a tip-off, led to the recovery of over 50 live donkeys and a large quantity of processed meat from a suspected illegal facility.
According to IFA Director, an investigation has been launched, and legal action is being taken against those involved. A foreign national present during the raid was detained and handed over to local police for further questioning.
Authorities are now tracing the supply chain to determine where the meat may have been distributed. The IFA is also investigating whether the meat was intended for local consumption or for foreign nationals.
"This is a serious public health concern. We are thoroughly inspecting the meat distribution channels to ensure no contaminated or illegal meat reaches the public," the IFA spokesperson stated.
The incident has raised alarms about illegal slaughtering practices and the lack of oversight in meat distribution networks.
In a related development earlier this month, Karachi police recovered approximately 800 hides of donkeys and dogs during a raid in the Korangi Industrial Area. Two individuals, including an Afghan national named Abdul Hameed, were arrested. Authorities believe the hides were collected from various parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan and were being smuggled to China.
The latest crackdown highlights growing concerns over illegal animal trade and its implications for public health and international smuggling networks.
The IFA has urged citizens to report any suspicious meat-selling activities and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding food quality standards across the capital.
