20-25% increase over last year makes Eidul Azha preparations a huge financial burden for citizens
PESHAWAR:
With Eidul Azha just days away, prices of slaughtered animals in Peshawar and surrounding livestock markets have soared so much that they have become completely unaffordable for low-income and middle-class families.
Buyers entering the markets are stunned to hear the rates, with many experiencing great anxiety and disappointment. A market study reveals a sharp increase of 20 to 25 per cent in the prices of animals for slaughter in both small and large, temporary and permanent markets in Peshawar this year compared to last year. The increase has transformed the fulfillment of the sacred tradition into a severe test for wage earners and the middle class.
While there is no shortage of cattle and goats, with animals visible in abundance at major markets including Ring Road, Lala Kala, Palosi and Charsadda Road, as well as other suburban sites, the usual festive hustle and bustle is noticeably missing. Traders can be seen eagerly waiting for customers from morning to night.
Most market visitors simply check prices instead of making purchases. Upon hearing the rates quoted, they are forced to return without purchasing anything.
Citizens have expressed strong anger and resentment against both the administration and the livestock traders. Buyers in the markets complained that inflation had already made survival difficult and that current animal prices are now not at all in sync with their budgets.
“Last year, a good calf or bull was available for Rs 1.5-2 lakh. This time, traders are demanding Rs 3-3.5 lakh,” the affected citizens said. “It has become almost impossible for the middle class to buy even a single large animal or a quality goat.”
‘Multani Raja’ steals the show
A huge bull named ‘Multani Raja’, brought from Multan, has become the star attraction of the local Peshawar cattle market, attracting crowds of buyers and spectators.
With his striking appearance, vibrant coat and impressive build, the bull has become the center of attention. According to its owner, the ‘Multani Raja’ weighs between 10 and 11 maunds (approximately 400-440 kg). The owner demands Rs 1.6 million for the animal, leaving traders and large animal enthusiasts in the market amazed by its size and beauty. Long queues have formed as people flock to catch a glimpse of the impressive bull.
Meanwhile, animal prices overall are significantly higher this year. Traders, both local and Punjab, attribute the rise mainly to the prolonged closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which has completely stopped the supply of cheaper animals from Afghanistan.
“Demand for goats and sheep in Peshawar markets is always strong, but now we are forced to source animals from markets far away in Punjab, where prices are much higher than last year,” traders said. They pointed to additional costs including transportation, market fees and daily fodder and maintenance expenses for large animals, which have now reached up to Rs 3,000 a day amid soaring inflation. “If we do not sell at these prices, we will suffer great losses,” they add.
