Pakistan Greenlights Donkey Meat Exports to China Amid Diplomatic Flurry

Pakistan has approved the export of donkey meat to China following a delay that nearly caused a Chinese company to cease operations. This decision comes amid discussions on bureaucratic obstacles affecting foreign projects in Pakistan and coincides with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's upcoming visit to China.

In a bid to preserve foreign investments, Pakistan has sanctioned the export of donkey meat to China. The decision follows a firm warning from the Hangeng Trade Company, which threatened to halt its operations in Gwadar—a strategic port town vital to China-backed projects—due to prolonged bureaucratic delays.

This development comes at a significant diplomatic moment, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit China later this month for an investment forum. Hangeng Trade Company, whose speciality is exporting donkey meat and hides used in traditional Chinese medicine, had been facing operational hindrances over stalled export approvals, potentially threatening USD 300 million in annual revenue.

After an intervention from adviser Tauqir Shah and rapid proceedings from the Prime Minister's Office, the requisite permissions were expediently granted. Although government officials affirmed that procedures were adhered to, discussions continue around the need for improved policy execution and consistency to attract foreign investment.