Mutton and Beef Exports Halted Due to Arab Airspace Closure, Prices May Drop in Pakistan

**Islamabad:** Pakistan’s exports of mutton and beef have been completely suspended due to the ongoing closure of air and sea routes to Arab countries, raising expectations of falling meat prices in the local market.

According to ARY News, this marks the fifth consecutive day of restricted airspace and shipping lanes, which has halted all mutton and beef exports from Pakistan.

While large exporters are facing substantial financial losses, market sources suggest that an increased supply of meat in local markets could benefit consumers by reducing prices. Estimates indicate that mutton prices could drop by up to Rs800 per kilogram, and beef prices could fall by around Rs500 per kilogram. It is noteworthy that meat exports to Afghanistan were already suspended.

However, major wholesale dealers in Lahore and Karachi have reportedly started raising prices in the local market amid the crisis, taking advantage of the situation. Lack of regulatory action in wholesale markets has allowed meat prices to spiral.

Currently, goat meat is selling for Rs2,600–3,000 per kilogram in the open market, while beef prices have reached Rs1,200–1,600 per kilogram. Exporters warn that the closure of trade routes could lead to spoilage of ready-to-export meat, posing losses not only to traders but also to the country’s foreign exchange reserves.