Thousands of Kilograms of Hazardous Meat Seized in Punjab Crackdown

Authorities in Punjab have seized thousands of kilograms of unsafe meat from illegal slaughterhouses in multiple districts.

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and the Livestock Department carried out separate operations in Niewal and Mianwali. The raids targeted sick animals being butchered for meat, which was later destroyed on the spot. Police also filed cases against the owners operating these illegal facilities.

In Niewal, the PFA raided illegal slaughterhouses in Block No. 2 and Lakker Mandi. Officials confiscated 7,000 kilograms of hazardous meat intended for supply to different districts. When the raiding teams arrived, owners tried to hide the meat under beds and inside storage chests. However, all the meat was recovered and disposed of to protect public health.

Director of Operations South, Zubair Ahmed Ijaz, said the slaughterhouses had been under surveillance for several days. Seven suspects have been booked under relevant laws. The operations are part of an ongoing crackdown ordered by the Punjab Chief Minister to curb the sale of unhealthy meat.

Meanwhile, in Piplan, Mianwali, the PFA discovered three more illegal slaughterhouses. There, officials destroyed 10 maunds of substandard meat immediately. Veterinary experts confirmed the meat was extremely dangerous for human consumption and unfit for sale.

Authorities urged the public to report any complaints or suspicious activities related to meat sales. Citizens can call the PFA helpline at 1223 to help in the fight against unsafe food practices. The crackdown across Punjab will continue until all illegal slaughter operations are shut down.