Sindh tightens the screws on Eidul Azha hide trade

Sindh Home Department has issued a comprehensive code of conduct regulating the collection of sacrificial animal hides across the province, including Karachi, ahead of Eidul Azha.

According to an official notification, no organisation or individual will be allowed to collect animal hides without prior permission from commissioners or deputy commissioners concerned. The department said the issuance of permits would strictly follow the procedures laid down by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

Under the new regulations, only registered welfare organisations, seminaries and charitable institutions will be permitted to collect hides. The notification further states that no banned outfit will be allowed to collect hides under any alternative name or cover.

The government has also banned the setting up of camps and the display of banners for hide collection activities. The use of flags, loudspeakers and public announcements on vehicles or buildings for soliciting hides has likewise been prohibited.

Authorities warned that the forced collection of hides would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

According to the Home Department, confiscated hides will either be donated by the district administration or handed over to authorised organisations through an appropriate disposal process.

Law enforcement agencies have been empowered to conduct spot checks upon instructions or information received from district administrations, which may also order site inspections where necessary.