Is that donkey in my biryani?
For years now, every now and then, there breaks out a new scandal of donkey meat discovered at some obscure - or not so obscure - eatery in different cities across Pakistan. The most recent such case emerged last month in Tarnol, Islamabad, where the authorities raided a farmhouse and found 1,000 kilogrammes of donkey meat and 50 donkeys.
The sale and consumption of donkey meat is banned in Pakistan. But what would happen if you did accidentally - or intentionally - consume donkey meat? Is it safe? Can you tell the difference? We asked the experts.
Donkey meat isn't actually dangerous, said Dr Syed Mohammed Ghufran Saeed, a professor at the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Karachi.
Read: Donkey meat trade
It is eaten in many parts of the world, especially across Asia and Africa, and there have been no reports of it transmitting diseases or spoiling faster. 'It is basically the issue of halal and haram,' explained Dr Saeed.
Not a question of food safety and hygiene, he said, adding that you can tell the difference from the meat's structure and marbling. 'Cherry red or pinkish color is found in beef. But in the case of the donkey, it is a reddish brown.' Donkey meat is pungent when you cook it, he added.
Despite these differences, an average customer is unlikely to be able to differentiate between donkey meat and any other. Chefs and butchers are, however, more savvy.
Lab tests - such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique, gas chromatography, and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique - are the only scientific way to establish the source of a meat. But these are not widely used in Pakistan.
Hamza Shafiq, who has been in this line of work for two decades, claims that butchers with experience like his can tell the difference by colour and cook time. But the best way to be sure is to buy from a butcher who slaughters his meat in front of you.
Both Hamza and Dr Saeed spoke about the importance of lab testing and licensing but cases such as the one in Tarnol indicate that the authorities have their work cut out for them.
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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Is that donkey in my biryani?
When you bite into a plate of biryani or a bowl of nihari, you might think you're eating beef or mutton, but are you sure? For years now, every now and then, there breaks out a new scandal of donkey meat discovered at some obscure - or not so obscure - eatery in different cities across Pakistan. The most recent such case emerged last month in Tarnol, Islamabad, where the authorities raided a farmhouse and found 1,000 kilogrammes of donkey meat and 50 donkeys. The sale and consumption of donkey meat is banned in Pakistan. But what would happen if you did accidentally - or intentionally - consume donkey meat? Is it safe? Can you tell the difference? We asked the experts. Donkey meat isn't actually dangerous, said Dr Syed Mohammed Ghufran Saeed, a professor at the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Karachi. Read: Donkey meat trade It is eaten in many parts of the world, especially across Asia and Africa, and there have been no reports of it transmitting diseases or spoiling faster. 'It is basically the issue of halal and haram,' explained Dr Saeed. Not a question of food safety and hygiene, he said, adding that you can tell the difference from the meat's structure and marbling. 'Cherry red or pinkish color is found in beef. But in the case of the donkey, it is a reddish brown.' Donkey meat is pungent when you cook it, he added. Despite these differences, an average customer is unlikely to be able to differentiate between donkey meat and any other. Chefs and butchers are, however, more savvy. Lab tests - such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique, gas chromatography, and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique - are the only scientific way to establish the source of a meat. But these are not widely used in Pakistan. Hamza Shafiq, who has been in this line of work for two decades, claims that butchers with experience like his can tell the difference by colour and cook time. But the best way to be sure is to buy from a butcher who slaughters his meat in front of you. Both Hamza and Dr Saeed spoke about the importance of lab testing and licensing but cases such as the one in Tarnol indicate that the authorities have their work cut out for them.
Express Tribune
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The missing faculty
Listen to article In an era dominated by scientific advancement and technological innovation, it may seem counterintuitive to argue for the centrality of language, literature and linguistics in a public university. But as a senior faculty member in the sciences, I can say with full confidence that no research, idea or discovery truly reaches its full impact unless it is clearly communicated, rigorously argued and well understood. This is why I strongly support the establishment of a Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics at the University of Karachi, a step that is not only overdue but vital to the intellectual health of the institution. The University of Karachi already possesses a strong and diverse foundation in language education, with well-established departments such as Urdu, English, Arabic, Persian, Bengali and Sindhi, as well as functioning language centres for Chinese and Turkish. Additionally, the Area Study Centre for Europe offers courses in various European languages, adding further linguistic breadth to the university's offerings. Despite this impressive array of programmes, these departments and centres currently operate in isolation, lacking a unified academic structure. This fragmentation limits collaboration, prevents interdisciplinary growth and inhibits the university from harnessing the full intellectual potential of its language studies. In contrast, the formation of a Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics would create a unified academic space for collaboration, interdisciplinary learning and resource sharing. Most importantly, it would affirm the essential role of language disciplines — not just as tools of communication, but as critical vehicles for cultural understanding, scholarly engagement and national identity. Equally important and commendable is the recent initiative by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to introduce undergraduate courses focused on communication, academic writing and presentation skills. These courses are a much-needed addition to the curriculum and deserve institutional support. As a science faculty member, I have observed many brilliant students struggle to present their ideas — not because of a lack of talent, but due to weak communication skills. Whether it is writing a thesis, applying for a research grant or presenting findings at a conference, the inability to express complex ideas clearly often undermines scientific merit. The HEC's move is not just a curriculum update; it is a recognition that academic excellence is inseparable from articulate expression. The importance of this becomes even more pronounced in a city like Karachi — Pakistan's most linguistically diverse urban centre. The proposed faculty could become a national hub for the documentation and study of regional and marginalised languages (such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Shina, etc) This would not only serve the cause of cultural preservation but also enhance research in linguistics, sociolinguistics and language policy. Furthermore, the faculty should house a modern Department of Linguistics with a phonetics lab and a Department of Academic Writing and Translation. These would provide cross-disciplinary support to students and faculty alike, helping them write research papers, translate academic texts and communicate effectively in global academic forums. These services are especially crucial for early-career researchers and postgraduate students aiming to publish in international journals. Concerns about financial constraints, while valid, should not become roadblocks to academic progress. Much of the infrastructure already exists; what is needed is administrative will. Support for such an initiative can also be expected from the cultural and consulate offices of various countries, many of which already collaborate on language and cultural programmes. Compared to the long-term academic and cultural gains, the required investment is relatively modest. The establishment of a Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics is not merely a structural adjustment but a transformative step toward academic integration and cultural relevance. As someone who has taught and mentored in the sciences for decades, I can affirm that the best research needs the best language to carry it forward.
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Water boring heightens seismic threat
Amidst the city's never ending water crisis, underground water boring has emerged as a crucial mode of supplying the survival necessity. However, the popular practice has come under scrutiny as experts debate its correlation with an unprecedented surge in earthquakes hitting Karachi. According to Chief Meteorologist Ameer Haider Laghari, since June 1st, areas in the eastern part of Karachi including Landhi, Malir, Korangi, and Quaidabad, have experienced 57 tremors with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.8 on the Richter scale. Although these tremors were minor, their frequency has caused significant fear and anxiety among residents. In these areas, underground water extraction through boring has increased significantly over the years as a result of which the land in these areas has reportedly subsided. While there is no scientific evidence directly linking the recent earthquakes and land subsidence to boring and construction activity, it is a hypothesis requiring comprehensive study. Dr Adnan Khan from the Geology Department at the University of Karachi explained that in many areas of Karachi, particularly Landhi, Korangi, and Malir, the lack of a regular water supply system had led residents, industries, and RO plants to rely heavily on underground water extraction. "Land in areas like Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Defence, and North Karachi has subsided by 15 centimeters and is sinking at an annual rate of 1.5 centimeters," revealed Dr Khan. Dr Nauman Ahmed, Professor at the NED University, claimed that although earthquakes occured on a large scale and could not be definitively linked to boring, excessive extraction of underground water was an unnatural process hence areas where boring is prevalent have likely developed weakened underground structures. "As water is extracted from beneath the surface, a void is created, which makes the natural underground position vulnerable, weakening the foundations of houses. These factors increase the risk of structural damage in these areas during earthquakes or otherwise," said Dr Ahmed, who urged the government to conduct a detailed survey of the affected areas, identifying the damage caused by boring, and taking steps to address the situation. "Scientific research suggests that tectonic plate movement at local fault lines is causing land subsidence. However, it is under observation that excessive underground water extraction is occurring in areas like Landhi, Malir, and Korangi, where earthquakes are also being recorded, and the land is sinking. A detailed study is required to determine the exact cause," added Dr Khan. Dr Masood Rafi, Chairman of the Earthquake Engineering Department at NED University, identified two major causes of land subsidence in Karachi: the construction of small and large buildings and the extensive use of underground water. "Due to the water crisis in many areas, residents have resorted to alternative methods, such as boring, to extract underground water. Additionally, reverse osmosis (RO) plants have been established at many locations for drinking water, exacerbating the depletion of underground reserves and creating voids beneath the surface. The weight of newly constructed buildings further increases underground pressure, contributing to land subsidence. Therefore, it is imperative to halt underground water extraction to prevent further damage," opined Dr Rafi. On the other hand, Dr Khan warned that although Karachi's local fault lines were not highly dangerous, the city was at risk from surrounding tectonic plates, especially those in India and Balochistan. "Strong earthquakes in these regions could cause destruction across Karachi, which is part of the Indian tectonic plate. About 110 kilometers west of the city lies a point where three plates: the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian intersect. The Arabian plate subducts beneath the other two from the south. If earthquakes occur in this region, their effects could also impact Karachi," warned Dr Khan.
