Cattle market set up at Bhata Ground

After Karachi, the country's second largest cattle market for Eidul Azha has been established at Bhata Ground on the junction of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

On the second day after its formal inauguration, animals from across the country continued arriving at the market.

According to officials, the Cantonment Board awarded the contract for the cattle market spread over 32 acres at Bhata Ground.

Special arrangements have been made for electricity, water, animal feed and cleanliness while the Livestock Department has established camps to examine animals.

Bulls, cows, buffaloes, camels, goats and sheep are being brought to the market from all four provinces and Azad Kashmir.

Animal prices at the market are currently soaring. Large tents have been set up for the stay of animals where healthy, attractive and heavyweight sacrificial animals are being prepared for sale.

Traders are demanding high prices for the animals. Buyers say that once the expenses of feed, tent rent, water and electricity are added, the prices become extremely difficult to afford.

Customers said they were eager to fulfil the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim but animal prices had gone beyond their purchasing power.

Contractor of the Bhata Ground cattle market, Mustafa Baloch, said that besides providing a good environment for buyers, traders were also not facing any difficulties.?