Skyrocketing prices deter cattle buyers

Residents find individual sacrificial animals unaffordable, turn to collective sacrifice options

RAWALPINDI:

As the religious festival of Eidul Azha approaches fast, three major sacrificial animal markets set up in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have so far failed to attract potential buyers owing to skyrocketing prices.

With only four days remaining until Eidul Azha, the three major livestock markets of the twin cities—Bhata Ground (Cantonment), I-12, and Rawat-Kallar Syedan—are brimming with animals. However, buyers are few and far between.

Sky-high prices of goats, sheep, cows, bulls, and camels have left most people unable to afford an animal of their choice. If this trend continues, traders may once again be forced to take unsold livestock back home, as happened last Eid.

Many citizens unable to afford individual animals have already started reaching out to organisations arranging collective (joint) sacrifices.

Contracts for the three main livestock markets were auctioned at high rates with Bhata Ground market at Rs165.7 million, I-12 market Rs55m, and Rawat-Kallar Syedan market at over Rs30m.

Following these auctions, livestock was transported in trucks from Punjab and other provinces. Arrangements including tents, lighting, drinking water, animal feed, security, vehicle parking, and livestock health inspections by veterinarians were made in those markets.

Despite these facilities, sales have been dismal.

A 20-kg goat is priced as high as Rs100,000 or more, depending on weight and appearance. Bulls weighing around five maunds (approximately 200 kg) are priced between Rs300,000 to Rs400,000. For collective sacrifices, a single share in a large animal now costs Rs70,000 to Rs80,000, making even joint purchasing unaffordable for many.

Shocked by the high prices, most buyers inquire about prices, pose for photos with the animals, and then walk away. In all three markets, buyers are seen visiting in the evening, but purchases remain low. Discussions and arguments between traders and buyers under the tents have become a common scene.

Buyers turn to collective sacrifices

As livestock prices remain out of reach, many residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are turning toward collective sacrifice options, where one share can be reserved for as low as Rs35,000. Many are now compelled to opt for this alternative to fulfil the religious obligation of Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi.