Due to hygienic concerns, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned the import of fresh meat via the sea from Pakistan.
The action was taken after UAE officials examined a shipment upon arrival in the Gulf nation and discovered fungus on meat.
The prohibition will be in effect until October 10.
The ban hurts the national budget because Pakistan sends $12 million worth of fresh meat to the UAE each month via sea.
The majority of Pakistan’s fresh meat exports go to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
A meat exporter told the media that a ban on export via the sea route would harm their business and that meat could still be exported via the air but at a significant cost for transportation.
