Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The government has reportedly decided that donkey meat from Gwadar North Free Zone will be allowed for export strictly in accordance with import policy of the destination country, sources to close to Minister for National Food Security and Research told Business Recorder . The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, in its recent meeting was apprised that the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950 empowered the federal government to prohibit, restrict, or otherwise control the imports and exports of goods and exports from Pakistan are regulated under the Export Policy Order (EPO), 2022, whereby certain goods are either banned or subject to specified conditions. The MoNFS&R informed that directives had been received from the Prime Minister’s Office that the recommendations of the Committee constituted under the Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives to resolve issues relating to M/s Hangeng regarding the export of donkey meat and hides from the Gwadar Donkey Slaughterhouse, be submitted to the ECC of the Federal Cabinet for consideration and decision. The Committee examined the matter in detail and proposed a set of recommendations. The MoNFS&R further informed that the Committee, after due deliberations, had made recommendations covering immediate export initiation of donkey meat, establishment of the traceability system, development of the regulatory framework, creation of an institutional mechanism, and allowing donkey slaughter and processing projects in Gwadar North Free Zone only. The MoNFS&R proposed that the recommendations of the Committee constituted by the Prime Minister’s Office, for consideration and decision of the ECC and accordingly solicited approval of the ECC to the proposal. During the ensuing discussion, the National Food Security & Research Division informed the forum that, in compliance with the Prime Minister’s Office directive, the committee had prepared its recommendations after detailed meetings. The forum deliberated whether or not ECC is mandated to grant approval pertaining to operations, with some members voicing the opinion that ECC could consider the matter to the extent of granting export permission, while MoNFS&R reiterated the request that ECC consider granting approval for the entire set of recommendations, including operational provisions/details. Moreover, it was highlighted that the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) had not permitted the import of donkey meat produced prior to January 16,2026. Majority of participants were of clear opinion that as every export from Pakistan is subject to import restrictions of the destination country, there is no need to seek ECC’s approval on the matter of whether pre- January 16, 2026 product will be exportable to a country or set of countries. However, if there is any restriction on export of donkey meat to countries other than China particularly EPZ, then Summary should have sought amendments to that provision, if any. After thorough debate on “ consideration and decision on the recommendations of the Committee to resolve issues of export of donkey meat and hides from Gwadar Donkey Slaughter House” approval was accorded to the extent that donkey meat from Gwadar North Free Zone may be allowed for export strictly in accordance with import policy of the destination country. The sources said, the federal cabinet, in its previous meeting has also accorded approval to the decision of the ECC, after some “ informal” developments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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