Pakistan’s livestock population continues to grow rapidly, with the number of donkeys alone rising by 109,000 in the past year, according to fresh government documents tied to the upcoming fiscal budget.
The country's total donkey count has crossed 100,000 more than last year, highlighting a steady increase in working animals despite changing agricultural trends. But donkeys aren't the only ones multiplying.
The report shows that buffalo numbers rose by 1.37 million, jumping from 46.31 million to 47.68 million, while cattle increased by a staggering 2.17 million over the same period. Similarly, sheep grew by 388,000 (from 32.73 million to 33.11 million), and goats saw a rise of 2.35 million, reaching a total of 89.39 million nationwide.
Even less common livestock categories recorded growth: camels increased by 14,000, from 1.163 million to 1.177 million; horses by 1,000 (to 383,000); and mules by 3,000, bringing their count to 227,000.
The upward trend in livestock numbers underscores the ongoing reliance on animals in Pakistan’s rural economy, where agriculture and animal husbandry remain key livelihoods. It also hints at rising demand for meat, milk, hides, and labor, despite the mounting challenges of climate change, fodder shortages, and shrinking grazing lands.