Karachi embraces 'ijtimai qurbani'

Skyrocketing prices, rising fuel costs and increasing transportation charges have made individual qurbani (ritual animal sacrifice) increasingly difficult for people this Eidul Azha, leading to a sharp rise in the trend of ijtimai qurbani (collective sacrifice) in the metropolis.

According to traders, welfare organisations and mosque administrations, prices of sacrificial animals have surged by more than 50 per cent compared to last year, forcing middle-class families to opt for collective sacrifice arrangements through mosques, madrassas, welfare organisations and neighbourhood groups.

Officials associated with welfare organisations told The Express Tribune that the worsening economic situation and rising cost of living had affected the purchasing power of people.

"Individual qurbani has become extremely difficult not only for the poor but also for the middle class," said Imran-ul-Haq, manager of a welfare organisation's qurbani department. "People with relatively stable financial conditions now prefer collective sacrifice instead of purchasing animals individually."

He estimated that the trend of collective qurbani had increased by 30 to 40 per cent this year. According to him, most collective sacrifices are carried out during the first day of Eidul Azha, while smaller numbers are performed on the second and third days.

Animal traders said sacrificial animals were being brought to Karachi from various districts of Punjab and Sindh, including Sahiwal, Rahim Yar Khan, Tando Adam and Mirpurkhas.

Trader Kashif Qureshi said prices varied according to breed, weight and appearance. "Low-weight cows are available from Rs120,000 to Rs180,000, medium-sized animals from Rs220,000 to Rs350,000, while heavy and attractive animals are being sold for up to Rs1 million or more," he added.

Goat prices, he added, start from Rs50,000, while sheep are priced between Rs60,000 and Rs70,000 or above. "People are looking for affordable animals according to their financial capacity, but the cost of feed, transportation and labour has increased significantly," he said.

Mosque committees and madrassas across the metropolis have introduced different collective qurbani packages ranging between Rs25,000 and Rs35,000 per share.

Muhammad Asif Iqbal, secretary of a local mosque, said most citizens were booking shares priced between Rs25,000 and Rs30,000. He said large mosques and madrassas collectively sacrificed hundreds of animals every year, while welfare organisations also distributed meat among deserving families.

He said the hides collected during qurbani were sold under government regulations and the proceeds were utilised for welfare and religious purposes.

Meanwhile, welfare organisations including Chhipa have also launched collective and individual sacrifice packages. Chhipa spokesperson Chaudhry Shahid Hussain said booking for collective qurbani was continuing, with most citizens opting for packages worth Rs28,000 to Rs30,000.

The increasing demand for sacrificial animals has also boosted economic activity in Karachi. Temporary animal feed stalls, transport services and caretaking camps have emerged in different localities, providing seasonal employment opportunities to hundreds of people.

Transporters said freight charges had increased by nearly 60 per cent due to rising fuel prices. "The minimum fare for transporting animals is now around Rs4,000 and can exceed Rs10,000 depending on the distance," said transporter Imran Ahmed.

Professional butchers have also raised slaughtering charges by 30 to 40 per cent this year. According to butcher Kamran Qureshi, slaughtering a large animal on the first day of Eid could cost between Rs25,000 and Rs35,000, while goat slaughter charges range from Rs10,000 to Rs15,000.

He said a shortage of experienced butchers had created opportunities for seasonal workers, many of whom offer lower rates but lack professional expertise.

Authorities have permitted 21 cattle markets across the city in addition to the Northern Bypass cattle market. However, illegal roadside animal markets have also popped up in several areas, causing traffic congestion.

The Karachi commissioner's office said action had been initiated against unauthorised cattle markets operating on roadsides and public spaces.

Officials at the Northern Bypass cattle market claimed that more than 60 per cent of animal sales had already been completed, with families continuing to visit markets in large numbers during both daytime and nighttime hours.

Despite the financial strain, Karachiites continue preparations for Eidul Azha, with neighbourhoods across the metropolis witnessing increased activity as families care for and guard their sacrificial animals late into the night.