LAHORE:
While Lahore observes Eid-Ul-Adha today, the approach has changed from the bustling livestock markets to traditional sacrifices that mark the festival. However, many citizens are expressing concern about the very high cost of livestock and the ineffective application of prices and security regulations.
In the days before EID, cattle markets throughout the city were full of buyers and animals that arrived from regions such as South Punjab. However, despite the festive spirit, buyers were frustrated by what they say they were unjustified price increases.
“A calf or a bull that costs between RS150,000 and RS250,000 last year now sold for RS350,000 to RS500,000,” said Muhammad Hanif, buyer of the Shahpur Kanjran cattle market.
“Even goats and sheep have a price as high as RS250,000 to RS300,000.”
Kamran Bhatti, resident of the city of Valencia, echoed the feeling. “There is no price mechanism at all. Sellers are citing what they want, some demand up to one million rupees for a couple of small animals,” he said.
“The government should promote local breeding and invest in cattle agriculture to stabilize the market and generate employment.”
Livestock merchants, however, blamed the increase in prices to increase operating costs.
“We are not overloading: our own costs have increased significantly,” said Sadqat Ali, a merchant who brought fine animals.
“High fuel prices, transport costs and labor wages have uploaded our general expenses. If the government addresses these problems, livestock prices will decrease automatically.”
To guarantee organized and hygienic trade, the Lahore district administration established six official livestock markets. In addition to the permanent market at shahpur kanjran, Five Temporary facilities were up at key locations across the city, including Haveli Markaz Near Spring Mill (Raiwind Zone), The Sports Complex Near Adda Rakh Chabeel (Nishtar Zone), Mouza Nain Sukh Near Saggian Bridge (Ravi Zone), and Burki Road Near Paragon City (Acantoning Zone). In an attempt to maintain public order and sanitation, the Punjab government also imposed section 144 in the province from June 5 to 11.
