Capital’s Food Supply Under Scrutiny After Donkey Meat Bust

News Desk

Islamabad: The Director of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), Irfan Nawaz Memon, on Monday confirmed the recovery of donkey meat in the federal capital and announced a citywide crackdown to trace its source and distribution network.

According to Memon, IFA teams received credible intelligence over a week ago regarding the possible sale and distribution of donkey meat in Islamabad. The information was kept confidential to enable discreet surveillance of suspected individuals.

Following days of monitoring, IFA officials raided a site where they recovered approximately 1,000 kilograms of processed meat and seized 40 live donkeys. A foreign national, reportedly working as a butcher, and a security guard present at the location were taken into custody. The case is now under detailed investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the illegal slaughter and processing of donkey meat had been underway for at least two weeks. However, the exact number of animals previously slaughtered and the destinations where the meat may have been supplied remain under investigation.

“There are unconfirmed reports that the meat may have been provided to foreign nationals living in the city, and possibly even transported outside Islamabad,” Memon said. “We have yet to find conclusive evidence of where the meat was distributed.”

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/silent-killer-in-every-meal/

He further stated that the Food Authority is working closely with police to explore all angles of the case. Laboratory tests are being conducted to confirm the exact type and quality of the recovered meat, while investigators are verifying the identities and potential networks of those arrested.

The incident has sparked serious concerns about food safety in the capital. Authorities have now intensified inspections across restaurants, butcher shops, and food vendors to ensure compliance with hygiene and quality standards.

“In the last two years, we have not received any similar complaints in Islamabad,” Memon noted. “We regularly conduct surprise inspections, including night raids, to uphold food safety protocols.”

He added that all food businesses in the city will now face stricter scrutiny. The public has been urged to report any suspicious activity related to meat supply or hygiene violations.

Authorities emphasized that ensuring safe and hygienic food for citizens remains a top priority. “We are determined to track and dismantle the entire network involved in this operation,” Memon asserted, adding that more joint operations with law enforcement agencies are being planned.

The incident has not only triggered an official investigation but has also heightened public awareness regarding food safety and the importance of vigilant consumption practices.