Rawalpindi:
As the Eidul Azha religious festival approaches, three main sacrifice animal markets established in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad so far have failed to attract potential buyers due to the prices shot.
With only four remaining days to Eidul Azha, the three main livestock markets in twin cities (Bhata Ground (Cantonment), I-12 and Rawat-Kallar Syedan) are full of animals. However, buyers are few and distant.
The high prices of goats, sheep, cows, bulls and camels have left most people unable to pay an animal of their choice. If this trend continues, merchants can be forced to take the cattle not sold at home, as the last eid happened.
Many citizens who cannot pay individual animals have already begun to communicate with organizations that organize collective sacrifices (sets).
Contracts for the three main livestock markets were auctioned at high rates with Bhata Ground Market at RS165.7 million, the I-12 RS55m market and the Syedan Rawat-Kallar market to more than RS30m.
After these auctions, the cattle were transported in Punjab trucks and other provinces. The arrangements that include tents, lighting, drinking water, animal feeding, safety, vehicle parking and livestock health inspections were made in those markets.
Despite these facilities, sales have been very bad.
A 20 kg goat has a price as high as RS100,000 or more, depending on weight and appearance. Bulls weighing around five maunds (approximately 200 kg) have a price between RS300,000 to RS400,000. For collective sacrifices, a single participation in a large animal now costs RS70,000 to RS80,000, which makes even joint purchases not without effect for many.
Surprised by high prices, most buyers ask about prices, pose photos with animals and then move away. In the three markets, buyers are seen visiting at night, but purchases are still low. The discussions and arguments between merchants and buyers under stores have become a common scene.
Buyers turn to collective sacrifices
As cattle prices remain out of reach, many residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are resorting towards collective sacrifice options, where an action can be reserved for only RS35,000. Many now are forced to opt for this alternative to comply with the religious obligation of Sunnat-E-Ibrahimi.
