Bhatta Ground contract generates major revenue

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has recovered Rs115.4 million in the first phase of collections from the Bhatta Ground cattle market contract, while Rs30m in income tax has also been deposited with the federal government.

Under the agreement, the RCB is now set to receive Rs25.4m per month from the contractor throughout the year.

The contract for operating the country's second-largest cattle market after Karachi, spread over 32 acres at Bhatta Ground, was awarded to a major consortium led by Haji Ismail & Co for Rs305m.

The contract covers both the annual Eidul Azha cattle market and the regular livestock market held every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the year.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Board has already received an advance payment of Rs90m, along with the May instalment of Rs25.4m. In addition, Rs30m in income tax on the total contract value has been collected through the RCB and deposited with the federal government.

The contract requires the operator to pay Rs25.4m to the Cantonment Board each month between the 1st and 22nd.

In May 2027, the contract will automatically be extended for a further year with a 10 per cent increase in value, raising the total contract amount accordingly.

The contractor will also be responsible for paying the applicable income tax on the revised contract value.

The same arrangement will remain in force for three years, after which a fresh procedure for awarding the Bhatta Ground cattle market contract will be formulated in 2029.

Meanwhile, sources said the RCB is considering utilising the venue on the remaining five days of the week, when the livestock market is not in operation, to host what could become the largest automobile trading fair in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Officials believe the proposed car market could provide the RCB with an additional and significant source of revenue.