Preparations for Eidul Azha have intensified in different cities of the country as authorities establish dozens of cattle markets across Pakistan. The biggest sacrificial animal market at Bhatta Chowk has already started receiving animals, while traders expect business activity to increase sharply in the coming days.
Small and large sacrificial animals have begun arriving from different cities and villages. Camel traders are also expected to reach the market next week. Hundreds of temporary stalls selling fodder, ropes, animal decoration items and food have been set up around the market area to facilitate buyers and traders.
Officials say the market will become fully active from the middle of May when families start visiting in large numbers for Eid shopping. Special parking arrangements and security plans are also being finalised to manage heavy crowds and traffic congestion near the cattle markets.
This year, authorities have approved 26 official cattle markets in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Ten markets are being established in Islamabad, while sixteen are operating in Rawalpindi under the supervision of cantonment boards, district administration and local authorities.
The main cattle market of Islamabad will operate in I-11, while additional markets are being arranged in Bhara Kahu and nearby populated areas. In Rawalpindi, sale points are being established at Bhatta Chowk, Adiala Road, Rawat, Gujar Khan, Taxila, Chakri, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan and several other locations.
Citizens visiting the markets complained that animal prices have reached extremely high levels this year. Buyers say inflation and rising transportation costs have made sacrificial animals too expensive for many middle-class families. Traders, however, argue that the cost of animal feed and transportation has increased significantly, forcing them to raise prices.
Authorities have imposed strict restrictions on illegal animal sales across the cities. Officials warned that selling sacrificial animals outside approved markets will not be allowed. Violators may face heavy fines for each animal sold illegally.
The Bhatta Chowk market spreads over 25 acres of land, including separate areas for livestock and parking facilities. Authorities have fixed entry charges for traders bringing animals into the market. Large animals including cows, bulls, buffaloes and camels will have a higher entry fee, while smaller animals such as goats and sheep will have separate charges.
