Peshawar:
With the approach of Eid-Ul-Adha, cattle markets in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are full of activity. However, exorbitant prices and the absence of adequate health measures in these markets have generated concerns between buyers and animal health experts equally.
The Peshawar District Administration has officially designated two main livestock markets for the festive season, one on the Ring road and the other in Lala Kalay.
These markets extract cattle from all over the country, including fine, Dera Ghazi Khan and several other Punjab regions.
However, merchants who bring animals sell them at significantly high prices, often without regulatory supervision.
Muhammad Haroon Khan, a Peshawar resident who visited the Ring Road market to buy a sacrifice animal, told Express PAkGazette that cattle prices have shot in the last year. “A regular -size animal that would cost around RS2 to 3 Lakhs last year now has a price between RS3 to 5 Lakhs. Even smaller animals such as sheep and goats are sold for RS1 to 5 Lakhs each.
The administration charges RS1,500 per animal of the merchants, but does not provide veterinary checks or relief for the public. There are no veterinarians on the site to evaluate the health of animals, “Khan said.
Naeemullah Khan, another Visitor of Peshawar, echoed similar concerns.
“There is no price regulation. Each seller demands the price you want, and some ask to RS10 Lakh for a small animal. The government must implement a control and balance system. The livestock department has resources, but where is its performance? Economy,” said Naemullah.
On the other side of the crack are cattle merchants. Ramzan Ali, a cattle merchant, who brought animals to Peshawar, defended the high prices. “There is a narrative in the media that merchants are exploiting buyers, but the reality is different. We have bought these animals at very high prices. We are not in the business for losses; we only look Standardize transport transport, animals prices naturally decrease ali.
When addressed for a comment, a senior official of the livestock department, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Express PAkGazette that the department had taken measures to guarantee animal welfare in the markets.
“We have assigned a veterinary doctor and a disinfection equipment to each market. If a sick animal is found, free medications are provided. Banners with hygiene patterns have been placed in cattle markets, and public public awareness campaigns are underway to educate people to avoid the propagation of disease KP, but we are actively in the propagation of the spread of diseases, but at the height of diseases.
As the regressive account continues for EID-ul-Adha, citizens continue with the hope that better regulation and government supervision will make the festive sacrifice more accessible and safe for all.
