Confusion prevails over Eidul Azha cattle markets

'Restrictions on cattle markets amid pandemic do not apply to those set up for Eidul Azha'

KARACHI: The notification calling for the closure of cattle markets in the city only applies to cattle markets set up regularly, clarified Sindh local government secretary Roshan Ali Shaikh on Sunday.

Shaikh said this following a confusion caused by the notification, which stated, "All cattle markets in Karachi will remain closed ahead of Eidul Azha," leading many into believing that cattle markets for Eidul Azha were not to be organised this year.

Earlier the Sindh Home department, in a notification issued on June 2, stated that cattle markets would be allowed to sell sacrificial animals if standard operating procedures were properly followed.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Yawar Chawla, spokesperson for the cattle market stated, "last week they [the government] asked us to set up a market following [the issuance of] SOPs, however, now they have issued another notification to cancel all cattle markets." Considering that around 600,000 sacrificial animals are customarily sold at the 40 different cattle markets in Karachi ahead of Eidul Azha, it would be difficult for citizens to buy animals without the markets being set up, he added. Chawla said that without the markets the prices of cattle would skyrocket, adding that "the price of an animal worth Rs50,000 could rise to Rs300,000."

However, denying any news of cancellations, Shaikh maintained, "The notification had nothing to do with Eidul Azha and sacrificial animals, but instead is in regards to routine 'dry markets' that are setup weekly in Karachi."

Arrangements for cattle markets

Meanwhile, all preparations for the main cattle market near Sabzi Mandi are in full swing, as the contracts for it has already been awarded, including the provision of parking electricity, water supply, grass for cattle and other facilities.

Chawla said that cattle sellers in the city had given the Sindh government their word with regards to implementing SOPs at the markets. "We have devised a plan to depute 1,000 people at entry points to ensure that no customer is allowed entry without a face mask" he stated, adding that they had also devised a plan to ensure social distancing.

Chawla revealed that they planned to open the cattle markets for the public by June 22.

Additionally, a spokesperson for Karachi Commissioner Ifitikhar Ali Shallwani has revealed that officials would soon be cracking down against illegal cattle markets. However, he disclosed that he was not aware whether the Sohrab Goth cattle market fell under the category.