Buyers allege cattle market extortion

With Eidul Azha around the corner, complaints of overcharging and extortion in Lahore's cattle markets have mounted, with citizens and livestock traders saying they have been left at the mercy of contractors operating with impunity.

From Shahpur Kanjran - Punjab's largest permanent cattle market - to temporary sale points established across the city, buyers and traders allege that illegal charges have reached unprecedented levels, adding to the financial burden on families already struggling with inflation and soaring sacrificial animal prices.

Citizens visiting the designated markets say the Punjab government's ban on roadside animal sales inside the city has effectively forced buyers into controlled cattle markets where, they allege, contractors and their agents are extracting money without fear of accountability.

According to buyers and traders, visitors leaving the markets after purchasing sacrificial animals are allegedly being forced to pay unofficial charges ranging from Rs500 to Rs700 for goats and sheep, Rs1,000 to Rs1,200 for bulls and buffaloes and up to Rs2,000 for camels.

Several residents claimed that groups of men stationed at market exits stop loader and even private vehicles carrying sacrificial animals, demanding cash before allowing them to leave the markets.

"We came to this market only because the government banned the sale of sacrificial animals inside the city," said Muhammad Faizan at the Shahpur Kanjran market.

"After spending huge amounts on animals, we are being fleeced again while leaving the market. No official is available to address public complaints," he added.

Another resident accused authorities of turning a blind eye to the situation. "It feels as if the government has awarded contracts to these people to fleece citizens," said Ahmad Raza, a citizen leaving the Saggian cattle market after buying an animal. "Earlier, traders and farmers bringing animals to the markets were being charged exorbitantly. Now ordinary citizens are also being looted. Such open extortion cannot happen without the connivance of officials."

On the other hand, the district administration and provincial authorities have intensified action against illegal roadside cattle sale and citizens keeping sacrificial animals outside their homes.

While officials continued crackdowns across Lahore, residents complained that enforcement teams are targeting ordinary families rather than addressing overcharging in the official cattle markets.

Livestock traders also raised concerns about excessive charges in the markets, saying unofficial payments are increasing operational costs.

Traders alleged that despite officially approved entry fees of Rs200 for small and Rs500 for large animals, many sellers are being charged higher amounts.

Additional payments are also allegedly being collected for fodder, straw and animal feed.

"The animals were already expensive due to rising transport and feed costs," said a trader from South Punjab. "These illegal charges have pushed prices even higher for the public."