Cattle market set up ahead of Eidul Azha

The largest sacrificial animal market of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad at Bhatta Chowk has been formally set up, with its official inauguration scheduled for Sunday, May 10.

The arrival of small and large sacrificial animals has started at the market, while camels are expected to arrive next week.

Traders and citizens said prices of sacrificial animals this year have reached extremely high levels, pushing them beyond the purchasing power of the public.

Stalls for fodder, animal decoration items and roadside eateries have also begun operating, while extensive parking arrangements have been made. Officials said the market would become fully functional and reach peak activity from Sunday, May 17.

This year, a total of 26 cattle markets are being established across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including 10 in Islamabad district and 16 in Rawalpindi district. Markets are being set up by Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, Chaklala Cantonment Board, District Council and Potohar Town authorities after approval of heavy taxes and fees.

Islamabad's central cattle market will be established in I-11, while additional markets will operate in Bhara Kahu and nearby densely populated union councils.

In Rawalpindi, markets are being set up at Bhatta Chowk, IG Principal Road, Ghazni Road Bagh Sardaran, Marrir Chowk, Rawal Road, areas behind the High Court Rawalpindi Bench, Adiala Road, Seham, Chakri, Dhoke Syedan Chowk, Rawat, Chak Beli Khan Road, Kallar Syedan, Kahuta, Gujar Khan and Taxila. Authorities said all markets would become operational next week.

For the convenience of citizens and butchers, a year-round livestock market has also been approved at Bhatta Chowk, operating every Tuesday and Wednesday. Contractors have additionally sought permission to operate the market on Sundays.

The Bhatta Chowk cattle market spans 25 acres, including 18 acres for livestock and seven acres for parking. Authorities have fixed heavy rental and entry charges. Sale of sacrificial animals anywhere else in the city has been banned, and contractors have been authorised to impose a fine of Rs5,000 per animal on violators. The contract for the market from 2026 to 2028 has been auctioned for Rs300 million. The contract amount will increase by 10 per cent annually and remain with a single contractor responsible for the market's management.

After Eidul Azha, the market will also allow the sale of milk-producing cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep and camels. Butchers will be able to purchase animals regularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the two days when meat sale remains suspended in the twin cities.

Authorities fixed an entry fee of Rs3,000 for large animals including cows, buffaloes, camels and bulls, and Rs2,000 for goats, sheep and lambs.