Rawalpindi gets 11 free cattle markets
People interact with traders to buy sacrificial animals at the cattle market set up along Super Highway. Photo: PPI
The Rawalpindi district administration has set up 11 free cattle markets across the district, posing a challenge to the contractor who had secured the contract for the expensive Bhatta Chowk Cattle Market from the Rawalpindi Cantonment administration and was collecting hefty sums in taxes.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Waqar Hasan Cheema has issued a notification regarding the establishment of the free cattle markets, promising relief for traders and buyers in testing times.
According to sources, the cattle market at Bhatta Chowk was purchased by the contractor for Rs89.5 million and due to the lack of communication between the district and the Cantt administration, he is now in a uncertain situation.
The notification states that five temporary free cattle markets will be set up at various locations in Rawalpindi city, two in Tehsil Gujar Khan, two in Taxila, one in Kallar Seydan, and one in Kahutta.
As per the district administration, the cattle markets will be established at Bhata Chowk near Koh Noor Mill, Misrial, Gulistan Colony, Dhok Hasu, and Kalial village in Rawalpindi city. In Tehsil Gujar Khan, two separate temporary free cattle markets will be established at Mandira Stop Ground and Galiana Road Slaughterhouse.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2023.