June 18, 2009
Livestock exports causing meat shortages in Pakistan
Pakistan's meat crisis has worsened, as the country begun exporting livestock to the Middle East and Gulf Region instead of selling them on local markets, which led to a shortage of livestock.
Daska Muhammad Afzal Mansha, the President of Pakistan's Meat Association, said livestock exports should be banned immediately.
The situation has become unbearable for butchers because meat prices are rising sharply everyday, making them too expensive for most consumers, Mansha said, adding that the shortages are also preventing butchers from buying livestock.
He said traders and owners of livestock are exporting to the Middle East and Gulf States because they can demand higher prices there, and they should prove their loyalty to their country by stopping livestock exports for national interests.
Beef price has increased to PKR200 (US$2.47) per kg.
Mansha said if an immediate ban on livestock exports is not imposed, then the meat crisis will worsen the people's misery following the electricity, fertilisers problems and other crises.
