Bhata Ground auction breaks all records

RAWALPINDI:

The contract for the largest livestock market at Bhata Ground during Eidul Azha in Rawalpindi Cantonment has been auctioned for a record Rs165.7 million, marking an increase of Rs50 million compared to last year.

In 2024, the contract was awarded for Rs110 million. This year, the Cantonment Board confiscated a Rs5 million advance deposit from a contractor who failed to pay the full bid amount, resulting in a total income of Rs115 million for the Cantonment Board. The Bhata Ground livestock market will host sacrificial animals from across the country.

A total of 23 parties participated in the auction for the market contract. Assistant Secretary Imran Habib and Revenue Superintendent Muhammad Siddiq Khan supervised the proceedings. The highest bid of Rs165.7 million was placed by Moin & Co., which was required to deposit Rs5 million in advance and pay 50% of the total amount within one day. After final approval, the remaining 50% must be paid within seven days.

The contractor is also responsible for paying the applicable income tax on the total contract amount. Moreover, Moin & Co. will have to provide facilities such as drinking water and electricity at their own expense.

The entry fee at the market has been fixed at Rs3,000 for large animals (cows, buffaloes, camels) and Rs2,000 for smaller animals (goats, sheep, lambs). For fodder, large vehicles will be charged Rs1,000 and small vehicles Rs500. Vehicle entry fees have been set at Rs400 for 10-wheeler trucks, Rs200 for 6-wheelers and Mazda trucks, and Rs100 for pickups.

The Livestock Department will inspect all animals entering the market, setting up camps on-site. Animals found sick, weak, or carriers of the Congo virus will be barred from entry.

After receiving the full contract amount and taxes, the Cantonment Board Rawalpindi will formally hand over Bhata Ground to the contractor.

It is worth mentioning here that in 2021, the livestock market contract was awarded for just Rs7 million.