Pakistan’s donkey population has increased by 200,000 over the past year, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, which places the total number at 6.2 million.
The latest official table on estimated livestock population shows the number of asses rising from 6.0 million in 2024-25 to 6.2 million in 2025-26.
The new figures show Pakistan’s livestock sector continued to expand in the outgoing fiscal year, with growth recorded across most major animal categories. Cattle rose to 61.96 million, buffalo to 49.1 million, sheep to 33.5 million, and goats to 91.8 million, while camels, horses, and mules remained largely stable.
| Species | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 57.5 | 59.7 | 61.96 |
| Buffalo | 46.3 | 47.7 | 49.1 |
| Sheep | 32.7 | 33.1 | 33.5 |
| Goat | 87.0 | 89.4 | 91.8 |
| Camels | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Horses | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Asses | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.2 |
| Mules | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
The increase in donkeys is significant because the animal still plays an important role in transport, small-scale logistics, brick kiln operations, agriculture, and informal urban deliveries across many parts of the country. In rural and low-income areas especially, donkeys remain a low-cost working animal for moving goods over short distances.
Official notes attached to the survey data say the estimates are based on inter-census growth rates from the livestock censuses conducted in 1996 and 2006, as final results from the latest agricultural census are still being reconciled.
The survey also points to a possible new export opportunity linked to the country’s growing donkey population.
It says exports of donkey meat, hides, and related products could open up a niche market with strong growth potential, mainly because of rising demand in China, where donkey meat, milk, and Eijiao gelatin are valued for their nutritional and medicinal uses.
To facilitate this trade, the federal government has signed sanitary protocols with China covering the export of these products.
The survey further states that a new license has been granted to M/s Shahzad and Shao for the establishment of a donkey slaughterhouse in the Gwadar Free Zone. With this approval, the number of licensed companies in this segment has increased to two, in addition to M/s Hangeng Trade.
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congratulations to all the donkeys.