ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 27: In a major crackdown on illegal meat trade, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), in coordination with local police and district administration, raided a farmhouse in the Tarnol area, uncovering a disturbing operation involving the slaughter and sale of donkey meat.

Authorities confiscated more than 900 kilograms (approximately 25 maunds) of donkey meat from the premises, which was promptly destroyed. Additionally, 60 live donkeys were recovered from the site.

A foreign national was arrested at the scene and handed over to the police for further investigation. Initial reports suggest the meat was being processed for distribution within Pakistan and potentially exported abroad as part of a broader illegal supply network.

Dr. Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, confirmed the scale of the seizure. “It was revealed that the meat was allegedly being supplied not only to the local market but also exported abroad,” she stated. The farmhouse had reportedly been operating without legal authorization.

Sources close to the investigation indicate that a Chinese national, who had been operating in the Tarnol area for some time, is suspected of managing the illicit business. Authorities are now working to trace the meat distribution chain and identify domestic and international buyers who may have been involved.

Dr. Siddique emphasized the authority’s commitment to public health and food safety. “Ensuring the availability of safe and quality food in Islamabad is the Food Authority’s top priority. We are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against those who endanger public health,” she said.

The Islamabad Food Authority has urged the public to report any suspicious activities or suspected sale of substandard or unregulated meat to relevant agencies, in an effort to dismantle illegal operations and ensure consumer safety.

Investigations into the operation are ongoing.