The population of donkeys in Pakistan has increased from 5.7 million to 5.8 million during the previous fiscal year, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2022-23, released on Thursday.
This steady rise in the donkey population has been observed over the last few years, with 5.5 million in 2019-20 and 5.6 million in 2020-21.
In terms of global donkey populations, Pakistan ranks third, following Ethiopia, which has the second-largest donkey population, and China, which boasts the largest number of donkeys.
Reports surfaced last year suggesting that Pakistan planned to export donkeys and dogs to China due to its substantial donkey population.
The Head of the Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit, Salman Sufi, took to Twitter and stated that no decision had been made regarding the export of donkeys or dogs to any country for any purpose. He also cautioned against spreading false news on this matter.
Regarding news of Donkey/Dog export-
There has been no decision taken or even under consideration to export Donkeys or Dogs to any country for any purposes.
Please do not share unverified news. #AnimalRights
— Salman Sufi (Get New Covid Booster Today) (@SalmanSufi7) November 2, 2022
The reason China imports donkeys from other countries is that its demand for donkeys exceeds its supply. China sources at least two million donkeys locally and the remaining three million from abroad.
Source: Pro Pakistani