Reports on donkey meat in Islamabad restaurants termed misinformation

ISLAMABAD: A wave of social media posts in late July falsely claimed that donkey meat was being supplied to several well-known restaurants in the capital following a raid by the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) in Tarnol, Fake News Watchdog (FNW) finds in its investigation report.

The raid had recovered more than 50 live donkeys and over 1,000kg of meat. IFA Deputy Director Dr Tahira Siddique had ordered immediate registration of a case against those involved.

The IFA had subsequently “destroyed” the confiscated meat as part of their standard procedure.

When the reports on social media started linking the donkey meat raid with restaurants in Islamabad, the IFA confirmed there was no evidence connecting the seized meat to any reputable eatery.

However, the FNW’s recently issued investigation report found the allegations to be entirely baseless.

The watchdog said the claims gained traction after viral posts named popular establishments, prompting mainstream news coverage and widespread public concern.

Even after the IFA’s July 27 clarification, screenshots and memes continued circulating, causing reputational damage.

Restaurants denied serving donkey meat

Restaurant owners reported minimal immediate sales losses but noted rising consumer suspicion about meat sourcing.

Some outlets, including Florida Steak House, Papasallis and Malang Jan, released statements or inspection videos to reassure customers of halal and hygiene compliance, with endorsements from religious leaders.

As per a report in The Punch, the owner of the ‘Malang Jan Bannu beef pulao’ restaurant in Tarnol Zahir has said that they have not used any donkey meat in their dishes.

He told the YouTube channel, that the donkey meat has been confiscated from Saranjani area and not Tarnol as indicated in several social media groups and channels.

No restaurant in Islamabad serves donkey meat: Food authority

Donkey meat is not available in any restaurant in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Director General Muhammad Asim Javed clarified.

Speaking on a HUM News morning show on Friday, he said the slaughterhouse raided by the IFA was owned and operated by foreigners, who were exporting donkey meat to their country.

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After the raid, the IFA and PFA jointly carried out detailed inspections of restaurants in Rawalpindi and Islamabad but found no evidence of donkey meat being served, he added.

The dangers of misinformation

On the other hand, the Jamiatul Quresh Meat Welfare Association welcomed the IFA’s action but urged the government to establish a regulated slaughterhouse in Islamabad to prevent future scandals.

FNW stressed that Pakistan’s donkey trade — primarily for legal export to China via Gwadar — should be distinguished from illicit practices.

“Pakistan’s donkey trade is, in fact, a legal export to China, with strict regulations. The Gwadar facility processes these exports, underscoring the need to separate legitimate trade from criminal activity and misinformation.”

The report warned that this case of false news about supply of donkey meat to Islamabad restaurants is “a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation can spiral in the digital age, turning a legitimate enforcement action into a PR disaster. It shows the urgent need for faster, transparent official communication and responsible public sharing of verified facts.”