As Eid-ul-Azha gets closer, public rush is seen in cattle markets across the country for the purchase of sacrificial animals as the government has set up temporary cattle markets in all big and small cities.
However, the prices of sacrificial animals have jumped sharply in cattle markets ahead of Eidul Azha, with buyers calling the rates unusually high and traders saying mounting costs and market factors are shaping valuations.
According to market participants and officials cited in the report, Pakistan has no official pricing formula or regulatory system for sacrificial animals. Prices are generally determined by a combination of factors, including age, weight, breed, health, appearance and overall demand in the market.
In cattle markets, ordinary goats and sheep are being sold for between Rs90,000 and Rs125,000, while premium breeds are priced from Rs200,000 to Rs400,000. Medium-sized bulls and calves are available in the range of Rs300,000 to Rs700,000, whereas heavier and high-breed animals are being offered for Rs800,000 to Rs1.5 million. Camel prices are ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs2 million.
Livestock traders said animal prices cannot be fixed using a single benchmark because several characteristics influence value. Ali, a trader who brought goats from Bahawalpur, said pricing is decided after evaluating breed, weight, health, size, appearance and demand.
Another trader, Shafiq, said the rising cost of fodder, medicines, transport and general care has also pushed up prices. He added that animals with stronger demand command better rates, while those with weaker demand are sold at lower prices.
Mubashir Hassan, who owns a breeding farm, said producing quality animals requires heavy spending, which is reflected in market prices. He said farms continue to incur expenses on feed, healthcare and vaccination.
On the buying side, citizens said the prevailing rates are beyond the reach of many households. Aftab Ahmed described the prices being sought by traders as excessively high.
Sheikh Asad Zafar, spokesperson for the Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company, said there is no official formula or standard mechanism for fixing sacrificial animal prices. He said traders independently set rates on the basis of breed, weight, health and appearance, and the company does not interfere in pricing.
He added that action is taken whenever complaints of fraud or deception are received from either buyers or sellers. The spokesperson also advised citizens to purchase animals only from registered cattle markets and designated enclosures established by the company, and to avoid roadside sellers.
The report said competition between traders and buyers has intensified across cattle markets. Supply of both small and large sacrificial animals has visibly increased, but buyer turnout remains relatively low. Despite the larger number of animals available, the number of buyers has not risen in the same proportion, creating tougher bargaining over prices and sales.
Authorities claimed to have increased monitoring so that sellers can not overcharge.In Rawalpindi’s I-12 cattle market, officials took action on the complaints of overcharging. The Potohar Division Magistrate caught two people red handed for allegedly charging extra money from the citizen. Officials said the arrested individuals were reportedly linked to the market contractor and action against the contractor is also being considered.
Authorities have clearly said that no extra tax or fee is allowed on the buying or selling of sacrificial animals in these markets. To help people, a complaint counter has been set up where buyers and traders can report any illegal charges. Officials said monitoring will continue throughout Eid to ensure fairness and control misuse. People are being asked to report any wrongdoing immediately.
As the temperature rises in Lahore, sacrificial animals were seen suffering from various diseases. According to veterinary hospitals data, around 3,500 animals have been treated in the last two weeks for fever, cough, flu, diarrhea, and tick problems. About 250 animals are brought to hospitals every day. Experts say diseases are spreading because animals are kept in crowded places, extreme heat, and poor conditions.
They also warn that feeding animals items like bread, burgers, pizza, and watermelon instead of proper food is making them sick. Several other infections are also common, therefore buyers were advised to carefully check animals before buying, especially their body and ears.