High cattle prices shock Eid buyers

Crippling inflation has overshadowed even the sacred religious obligation of animal sacrifice ahead of Eidul Azha in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, leaving salaried families deeply distressed by soaring livestock prices.

With only five days remaining until Eid, all 19 cattle markets across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are operational, yet buyer turnout has fallen to a record low.

Prospective customers are seen in the markets inquiring about the prices of bulls, cows, camels, goats and sheep, only to walk away in disappointment after hearing the rates. Traders claim that, so far, not even one per cent of the total livestock brought to the markets has been sold.

This year, transportation charges for livestock carriers have surged to between Rs800,000 and Rs1 million per trailer, resulting in fewer animals being brought to market.

Prices for large sacrificial animals now begin at Rs400,000, while smaller animals are being quoted from around Rs175,000 to Rs200,000. Sellers insist that no meaningful negotiations are possible below Rs300,000 for many animals.

As a result, the tradition of collective sacrifice is once again gaining momentum in neighbourhoods across the cities, with groups increasingly sharing the cost of a cow or bull. Contributions for collective sacrifice are now being collected at around Rs40,000 per share, after which the meat will be distributed on Eid day.

At the Rawat cattle market in Rawalpindi, cattle are also being sold by live weight, with bulls and cows priced at Rs1,600 per kilogram and goats and sheep at Rs3,000 per kilogram.

In previous years, the beginning of Zil Hajj would bring vibrant scenes to streets and neighbourhoods, filled with beautifully decorated sacrificial animals. Children and adults alike would proudly walk their animals through the streets, feed them with pocket money savings and adorn them in celebration.

This year, however, with Eid only days away, only a handful of animals can be seen in residential areas, as inflation continues to erode the public's ability to fulfil the ritual.

Citizens fear that record-low livestock sales are likely this year. Butchers and livestock experts are already predicting a market collapse and sharp price reductions a day before Eid, which has further discouraged immediate purchases.

Livestock traders Qutbuddin and Firasat Abbasi, operating near the High Court cattle market, said transport costs alone had increased animal prices by 25 to 30 per cent this year, while market fees and taxes added a further 15 to 20 per cent.

They argued that if the government reduced livestock transport charges by 50 per cent and waived market taxes and fees, animal prices could fall by as much as 40 to 45 per cent. Otherwise, they warned, large sacrificial animals next year may not be available for less than Rs400,000.

Residents Kameel Hassan, Aneeb Ali and Raja Shakeel said livestock prices were uniformly high across all markets they had visited, alleging that traders appeared to be coordinating prices collectively.

Due to the inflated rates, they said they had postponed purchases and would revisit the markets 48 to 72 hours before Eid. If prices fall, they may buy an animal individually; otherwise, they will opt for collective sacrifice.

Despite official announcements, no veterinary camps have yet been established in the markets to screen animals for Congo virus or conduct health inspections.