Capital’s illegal cattle markets to face action

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon has directed the assistant commissioners across the district to take strict action against those setting up illegal cattle markets except for the five locations designated by the district administration.

In his directives, the deputy commissioner said, it has been decided to set up only five cattle markets in the federal capital including Sector I-15, Sangjani Margalla Avenue, Zia Masjid, Sultana Foundation Lehtrar Road and Jhuggi Stop Bhara Kahu.

Memon said whoever sets up a cattle market on their own at any other location will be considered illegal. “The purpose of setting up cattle markets at the places designated by the district administration is to provide relief to the people,” he said.

“These cattle markets will be set up in the designated areas from Sunday where shelter, water and other facilities will be provided,” he added.

In this regard, sources say that this year, there have been fewer bids in cattle market contracts than last year. “The highest bid for the Sangjani cattle market was Rs30 million, while the same bid was Rs50 million last year,” they said. “Instead of going at a higher price than before, the bid has gone less by Rs20 million.”

Apart from this, in these livestock markets, the entry fee for goats and small animals is Rs250, while the fee for large animals is Rs500. The water, electricity and sanitation facilities will be managed by the contractor concerned.

11 cattle markets set up in Pindi

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.

Sources said the contract for the cattle market at Bhatta Chowk was purchased for Rs89.5 million and due to the lack of communication between the district and the Cantt administration, he is now in an uncertain situation.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2023.