Cattle markets see last-minute buying surge

Prices fall in late-night trade as traders sell off stock

KARACHI:

The buying and selling of sacrificial animals continued late into the night across Karachi ahead of Eidul Adha, as citizens rushed to complete preparations for the religious festival.

A large number of people purchased animals from the city's 32 officially established cattle markets, including the main market, as well as several smaller roadside markets. Traders said there was a noticeable shortage of lightweight calves, which remained in high demand among buyers.

On the final day before Eid, many livestock traders from different parts of the country sold most of their animals and began returning to their hometowns. In several cattle markets, sellers reduced the prices of goats, calves, camels, and sheep by 30 to 40 per cent to ensure quick sales before Eid.

Livestock trader Ibrahim Qureshi said nearly 80 per cent of the animals in city's cattle markets had already been sold, adding that trading activity usually continues until the third day of Eidul Azha.

He said most buyers were searching for lightweight calves priced around Rs150,000, while the sale of smaller goats also remained strong. According to him, goats were being sold for up to Rs40,000 in different markets.

Qureshi noted that prices had declined in many markets, but traders were still facing difficulty selling heavier and more expensive animals priced above Rs500,000. He added that many deals on the last day were finalised at reasonable prices.

He further said buyers showed the most interest in smaller and affordable calves, while traders increased prices of lightweight calves by Rs20,000 to Rs30,000 due to high demand. Suburban cattle markets witnessed heavy crowds, while goats and sheep were being sold at reasonable rates in Liaquatabad.

Late into the night, festive scenes were visible across different parts of the city as children and young people walked around with sacrificial animals and took care of them. Meanwhile, many citizens also booked collective sacrifices for the second and third days of Eidul Adha.