Between June 2001 and July 2002 Pakistan’s livestock exports leapt by 51%, while exports during the first two months of the current fiscal year (July-August) were up by a similar margin. The main reason was the upsurge seen in the export of live animals to Afghanistan – both by official and unofficial channels - to replenish stocks badly disrupted by the war of earlier this year. However, it is understood that similar rises have also been seen in exports to the Gulf States and Afghanistan, with higher quality animals being in especially strong demand from these markets.

The Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA) chairman Fawad Ijaz and Pakistan Tanners Association chairman S M Naseem urged the government to impose an immediate ban on all livestock exports, until such time as local supplies were restored to normal levels.