Cattle market gets govt's nod

Citizens oppose permanent setup in residential area

RAWALPINDI:

Approval has been granted to establish a regular cattle market at Bhata Chowk, the junction area of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, at the site traditionally used for sacrificial animal markets.

The market will operate every Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing contractors to organise sales of all types of livestock. It has also been decided to auction the contract for three years, from 2026 to 2028, with a 10 per cent annual increase in the total contract amount. The contract will remain with a single contractor responsible for the overall management of the central livestock and sacrificial animal market.

The market will span 25 acres, with 18 acres allocated for livestock and seven acres for vehicle parking. The executive officer of the cantonment board will oversee the auction process. The three-year contract is expected to fetch Rs500 million, generating significant annual revenue for the cantonment board.

Milch cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep and camels will be sold at the market. It will operate twice a week for citizens and butchers. As meat sale holidays are observed in the twin cities on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, butchers will be able to purchase animals on these days.

The auction will be held over three days — March 9, 10 and 11 — and the highest bidder will be awarded the contract.

On the occasion of Eidul Azha, the market will formally operate as a sacrificial animal market for 22 days, from 22 Ziqad to 12 Zilhaj.

Rs3,000 entry fees has been fixed for large animals including cows, buffaloes, camels, bulls and oxen and Rs2,000 per small animal such as goats and sheep. Heavy vehicles carrying fodder will pay Rs1,000 per trip, and small vehicles Rs500. Ten-wheeler animal-loaded vehicles will pay Rs400 per trip; six-wheeler trailers Rs300; animal-loaded trucks Rs200; and Suzuki vehicles Rs100 per trip. Car parking will be Rs100 and motorcycle parking Rs50.

Subletting or sharing the contract will be prohibited; violation will lead to cancellation. The contractor will be responsible for printing receipts, daily cleaning, water, fodder, shade and rain protection arrangements for animals, and arranging electricity connections. Stall and dhaba rentals will also be collected by the contractor. Use of loudspeakers will be prohibited.

Once operational, the sale and purchase of livestock elsewhere in the city will be banned. The contractor will be authorised to collect a fine of Rs5,000 per animal from violators.