With the arrival of Eidul Azha approaching, the buying and selling of sacrificial animals has gained momentum across Rawalpindi, with a large number of citizens visiting livestock markets. To facilitate the public, the district administration has set up eight temporary cattle markets and sale points where arrangements for cleanliness, security, and other basic facilities are being ensured.

According to the district administration, cattle markets have been established in various areas including Bhata Chowk and Ranyal in Rawalpindi Cantt, near Fatima Jinnah Women University on Chakri Road, and at a designated plot near Police Station Rawat on GT Road. Similarly, a cattle market has been set up in Gujar Khan near the slaughterhouse on Galian Road, while in Wah Cantt, a designated sale point has been established near Sharif Hospital Stop on GT Road.

In Taxila, a sale point has been set up near the Sunday Bazaar at Tumbair Market, while in Kallar Syedan and Kahuta, cattle markets and sale points have been made operational at Bypass Chowk and Tangi Road near Sakhi Sabzwari, respectively. All these facilities are being managed by relevant municipal bodies, cantonment boards, and the district administration, while assistant commissioners are continuously monitoring the arrangements.

As Eid draws closer, crowds have significantly increased at these livestock markets. Citizens, along with their families, are visiting to purchase sacrificial animals, while children are also showing keen interest in selecting animals of their choice. Livestock traders said that the price of an average goat ranges between Rs50,000 and Rs80,000, while medium-sized cows are being sold between Rs200,000 and Rs300,000.

Some buyers noted that prices have increased compared to last year; however, they remain hopeful of further adjustments. Many middle-class families are opting for collective sacrifice to fulfill the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In line with directives of the Punjab government, special focus is being given to cleanliness, hygiene, and provision of civic facilities in livestock markets to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both buyers and traders.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company has cancelled holidays of sanitary workers and officials to ensure effective cleanliness arrangements during Eid-ul-Azha. Following directives from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a comprehensive sanitation plan has also been prepared for the timely disposal of offal and maintenance of city cleanliness.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)