The latest official data reveals that Pakistan’s donkey population has surged to 5.9 million, marking a 1.72% increase during the fiscal year 2023-24 ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24, the donkey population has been steadily rising, from 5.5 million in 2019-2020 to 5.9 million in 2023-24.
This growth underscores the significance of donkeys in Pakistan’s economy, particularly in rural areas where they serve as a vital mode of transportation and contribute to agriculture and livelihood.
The increase in donkey population is a positive trend, given their importance in Pakistan’s rural economy.
Donkeys are valued for their strength, reliability, and ability to navigate challenging terrain, making them indispensable for various industries and communities, especially in areas where modern transportation infrastructure is lacking.
The growth in donkey population indicates their continued relevance and importance to the country’s economy.
The Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24 also highlighted the performance of other livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels.
The survey showed that the livestock sector, which accounts for 60.84% of the agricultural sector and 14.63% of GDP, grew by 3.89% in 2023-24, up from 3.70% the previous year.
The gross value addition of the livestock sector increased to Rs 5,804 billion in 2023-24, marking a growth rate of 3.9%.