Eid cattle market opens in Rawalpindi

With Eidul Azha falling in the first week of June, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has awarded the contract for the largest livestock market, valued at Rs165.7 million.

The market for sacrificial animals set up at Bhatta Ground has started receiving sacrificial animals from across the country to facilitate the residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

However, the contractor is still liable to pay 50% of the remaining dues under the contract and is also obligated to pay Rs16.5m in income tax.

In light of previous instances where contractors fled without clearing dues and taxes, the Board has taken a more vigilant approach this year. Monitoring of the cattle market has been significantly tightened.

The contract to set up the livestock market at Bhatta Ground was awarded to Moin & Co for Rs165.7m. Fifty percent of the contract amount has already been received, while recovery of the remaining 50% is still pending.

Sources in the RCB indicate that the final approval letter for the contract has not yet been issued. Once issued, the contractor will be required to pay the remaining dues to the board and the Rs16.5m in income tax to the government within seven days.

Meanwhile, livestock from across the country has started arriving at Bhatta Ground, and the pace is expected to pick up from June 1. Traders from all over Pakistan will bring cows, bulls, calves, camels, goats, and sheep to the market. However, this year, prices of sacrificial animals are expected to be higher than last year, making it more difficult for buyers to find animals within their budget.

To ensure the success of the official cattle market, the Board has imposed a ban on the sale of sacrificial animals on roads, open plots, private enclosures, and walled areas throughout the cantonment. Selling animals outside the Bhatta Ground market will not be allowed, and enforcement teams have been formed to take action against violators.

On the other hand, collecting the remaining 50% of the contract dues and the Rs16.5m income tax from the contractor has become a major challenge for the RCB.

According to sources, monitoring teams from the board will oversee the livestock market operations and ensure timely recovery of all outstanding payments and taxes.

Meanwhile, the twin cities are abuzz with activity as vendors and buyers alike prepare for the festive occasion. The markets, set up in various locations, offer goats, cows and other livestock for sacrifice. Buyers can be seen haggling over prices, inspecting the health and quality of the animals and negotiating with vendors.