The Pakistan government is considering a temporary ban on meat and poultry exports to stabilize prices in the local market, according to a report by ARY News on Thursday.
Sources in the Ministry of Production said the proposal aims to ensure that meat and poultry remain affordable for citizens amid rising food costs. They noted that recent floods have damaged the agriculture and livestock sectors, reducing local supply and driving up prices nationwide.
Officials said the surge in meat prices has also affected poultry rates, even as exports to Middle Eastern countries continue without interruption. Mutton is currently selling for between Rs2,500 and Rs3,000 per kilogram, compared to the official rate of Rs1,600. Beef prices have also climbed, reaching around Rs800 per kilogram.
Authorities believe that placing a short-term restriction on exports could help bring prices down and improve availability for domestic consumers. The Ministry of Production is reviewing the economic and trade impact before making a final decision.
In a separate incident, police in Karachi arrested two men accused of selling dead chickens to eateries and hotels across the city. The suspects, identified as Anwar and Kamal, were caught near the Railway crossing in Mosa Colony.
According to Gulberg police, officers recovered 80 kilograms of dead chickens from the suspects. Investigations revealed that the two shopkeepers regularly bought poultry that had died during transport and resold it to food centers in areas such as F.B. Area and New Karachi.
Authorities said strict action would be taken against those involved in selling unsafe or spoiled meat, as part of ongoing efforts to protect public health.
The government’s proposed export ban, if implemented, is expected to temporarily slow trade but ensure the availability of fresh meat at fair prices for consumers across Pakistan.
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