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Usman Zia
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has recovered a large quantity of donkey meat in a surprise raid on a facility in Tarnol, raising concerns about illegal meat distribution in the federal capital.
In this operation, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) raided a site in Tarnol and seized over 25 mounds (1,000 kg) of donkey meat. The team also discovered more than 50 live donkeys allegedly being kept for illegal slaughter and meat supply.
In an exclusive talk with APP on Sunday, Deputy Director Operations of the Islamabad Food Authority, Dr Tahira Siddique confirmed that a foreign national was taken into custody at the site, while all local individuals involved managed to escape before law enforcement arrived. The arrested person was handed over to police for further legal action.
Dr Tahira said the IFA acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off. “We received information late at night and dispatched teams immediately. Upon reaching the location, we found several live donkeys and a large quantity of meat,” she said.
According to her, the individuals behind the operation had set up a complete slaughtering and meat-processing setup, which had reportedly been functional for some time. The initial investigation suggests that the meat was primarily being supplied to foreign nationals residing in the city, though officials have not ruled out wider distribution.
“Selling donkey meat without proper permission or documentation is illegal,” said Dr Tahira. She added that the suspects were not in possession of any export permits or licenses, making the operation unlawful on multiple counts.
The IFA has initiated an inquiry to determine which areas the meat had already been supplied to, and how long the operation had been running. Investigators are also trying to identify local partners or suppliers who may have been assisting the operation.
The meat recovered during the raid was immediately destroyed to prevent any chance of it entering the local food supply. Dr Tahira confirmed that the entire process was documented for legal and investigative purposes. “We ensured safe disposal of the meat, and we have the complete footage of the destruction,” she said.
Local police registered an FIR following the raid. Authorities are continuing to search for the other suspects involved in the illegal activity. The Assistant Commissioner, area magistrate, and local police teams were also present during the operation.
Dr Tahira stated that the raid was not just about law enforcement but also about protecting public health. “The risk this poses to our food chain is serious. Whether it is about hygiene, public safety, or religious concerns, such illegal practices cannot be allowed in our system,” she said.
The IFA also suspects that donkey meat might have been supplied to different parts of Islamabad under the guise of legal meat products. Authorities are examining distribution chains, cold storage records, and meat supply routes to trace the network.
Dr Tahira emphasized the Authority’s commitment to ensuring safe and legal food supply in the city. “We are working round the clock to protect consumers and ensure that all food available in the market complies with safety standards,” she said.
The IFA has called on the public to report any suspicious meat supply activities or unlicensed slaughterhouses. Officials said community cooperation is key to preventing such violations from recurring.
The Food Authority has reiterated that all meat sold in Islamabad must be certified, and proper documentation must be available at each point in the supply chain — from slaughterhouses to retailers. Any meat found without traceable sources will be confiscated, and those involved will face legal consequences.
As investigations continue, the Islamabad Food Authority has vowed to remain vigilant and pursue all those involved in compromising food safety.