The federal capital, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) uncovered a large-scale illegal donkey meat operation in Tarnol, located on the outskirts of Islamabad.
This shocking discovery came as part of a pre-dawn raid conducted on Saturday by IFA officials, led by Deputy Director Dr. Tahira Siddique. Authorities seized more than 50 live donkeys and nearly a tonne of slaughtered donkey meat, suspected to be processed for human consumption. The raid has since sparked public outrage and highlighted significant lapses in regulatory oversight.
The illegal slaughterhouse was found operating in makeshift and unhygienic conditions, completely hidden from public view. According to Dr. Siddique, “This is a grave violation of food safety laws and a serious threat to public health.” The entire operation appeared to be highly organized and systematic, indicating long-term activity that went undetected by local authorities.
During the operation, one foreign national was arrested at the site. He is currently under interrogation by law enforcement agencies, and authorities are working to determine the extent of his involvement and whether others are connected to this criminal network.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the meat from the slaughtered donkeys was intended for consumption within certain communities in Islamabad, possibly targeting foreign residents or marginalized groups. However, these claims are still under investigation.
All recovered meat has been confiscated and incinerated in line with IFA’s bio-safety protocols, ensuring that none of it reaches the food supply chain. Officials confirmed that legal action has been initiated against all parties involved, labeling it a “systematic and organised operation” with far-reaching implications.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the regulatory weaknesses that allowed such a serious food safety violation to occur. The fact that an illegal facility of this scale operated undetected for so long has prompted harsh criticism of the relevant food authorities and inspection mechanisms.
Public health experts warn that consuming meat from unverified and unregulated sources poses a high risk of zoonotic disease transmission, including infections like glanders, anthrax, and salmonella. These can have serious health consequences and even lead to long-term epidemics if not managed properly.
In response to the incident, the Islamabad Food Authority has issued an urgent advisory to all meat vendors, butchers, and food service providers in the city. The advisory calls for full cooperation with ongoing investigations and demands strict adherence to food safety standards.
Dr. Tahira Siddique emphasized the need for increased vigilance and warned that surprise inspections will be conducted across various markets and food outlets in the coming weeks.
News of the illegal operation has gone viral on social media, with thousands of users expressing anger, fear, and disappointment. Hashtags like #DonkeyMeatScandal and #FoodSafetyIslamabad have been trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, as concerned citizens demand stronger enforcement of food laws.
Many users also questioned how such a facility managed to operate within city limits without attracting attention from law enforcement or food authorities.
This incident comes at a time when Pakistan is already facing increasing concerns about food adulteration and the lack of transparency in meat markets. Experts believe this case could act as a catalyst for reform, leading to comprehensive audits and checks across urban centers, especially in large cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Authorities have been urged to not only take punitive action but also strengthen institutional mechanisms to prevent similar violations in the future. Ensuring public safety must remain the top priority, and this begins with regular inspections, increased penalties for violators, and improved consumer awareness.
As the investigation unfolds, the Islamabad Food Authority has pledged to publish further updates and make its findings public. Meanwhile, residents are being advised to:
- Buy meat only from licensed butchers.
- Check for official stamps and quality certifications.
- Report any suspicious activity to the food authority via their official helpline or website.
The IFA’s official website and Pakistan Citizens Portal are open for public complaints and information regarding safe food practices.
