Archive · 8 Jun 2025
Pakistan's Poor Struggle as China Demands Donkeys for Medicine
Donkeys in Pakistan are becoming expensive because China wants their hides.
The hides are used in a traditional medicine called ejiao.
Because ejiao is very popular, China needs a lot of donkey hides.
This is making life hard for poor Pakistanis who use donkeys to earn money.
They can't afford to buy new ones.
Some Chinese companies want to start donkey farms in Pakistan.
However, some people worry about how the donkeys will be treated.
Donkey prices in Pakistan have surged due to increased demand from China.
China's demand is driven by the ejiao industry, which uses donkey hide in traditional medicine.
Poor Pakistani workers, reliant on donkeys for income, face hardship from rising prices.
Pakistani officials have met with Chinese delegations to discuss potential donkey farms.
Concerns exist over the ethical implications of exporting donkeys for slaughter.
- Who
- Poor Pakistani workers, Chinese buyers of donkey hides, and Pakistani and Chinese government officials.
- What
- A rise in donkey prices in Pakistan due to demand for donkey hides from China for ejiao production.
- When
- As of June 8, 2025, donkey prices have surged.
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- China's growing demand for donkey hides for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine.
Advocates
Business & Ethics
Ethical Concerns
Advocates
The government should ensure donkeys are sent to China without being slaughtered in Pakistan.
Business & Ethics
Ensure donkeys are treated ethically during slaughter and that the meat isn't used commercially.
- Ejiao Usage
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Recent Donkey Price
- Rs 2,00,000
- Estimated Donkey Population in Pakistan
- 5.9 million
- Main Buyer of Hides
- China