Vendors haggle with customers at a livestock market on the outskirts of Multan, ahead of Eidul Azha. photo: application
LAHORE:
As Eidul Azha approaches, prices of sacrificial animals at livestock markets have once again become a focal point of debate, with buyers complaining of unusually high prices while traders say they are not receiving fair returns for their livestock.
Unlike most commodities, Pakistan does not have an official pricing formula or regulatory mechanism to determine the cost of sacrificial animals. Experts note that prices are typically set based on several factors, including age, weight, breed, health, physical appearance and current market demand.
At livestock markets, ordinary goats and sheep are sold for 90,000 to 125,000 rupees, while premium breeds cost 200,000 to 400,000 rupees.
Similarly, medium-sized bulls and calves are available between Rs 300,000 and Rs 700,000, while large breed and heavier animals are priced between Rs 800,000 and Rs 1.5 million. Camels prices range from Rs 500,000 to Rs 2 million.
Livestock traders argue that animal pricing cannot be based on a single reference point because multiple variables influence valuation. Abdul Rehman, a trader who sold goats from Bahawalpur, said prices are determined after assessing the breed, weight, health, size, appearance and market demand.
“Animals of superior breeds and attractive appearance generally attract higher demand, which naturally increases their prices,” he said.
Another trader, Mian Shafiq, said rising costs of fodder, medicine, transportation and general animal care also have a direct impact on prices. He added that animals in high demand get better prices, while those with lower demand are sold at comparatively discounted rates.
Rana Mubashir Hassan, owner of a livestock farm, said producing high-quality animals requires substantial investment, which is reflected in their higher market value. He added that farms continually bear expenses related to food, health care and vaccination.
On the other hand, buyers described the prevailing prices as excessive. A citizen, Aftab Ahmed, said traders demand prices “that touch the sky”. He added that while sellers set prices based on breed and weight, buyers typically bid based on their affordability.
“When traders do not hesitate to demand very high prices, buyers do not hesitate to offer much lower amounts,” he observed.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Livestock Market Management and Development Corporation, Sheikh Asad Zafar, said there was no official formula or standard mechanism for fixing prices of sacrificial animals.
According to him, merchants independently determine prices based on race, weight, health and appearance, and the company does not intervene in the pricing process.
He added that action is taken whenever complaints of fraud or deception are received from buyers or sellers. The spokesperson advised citizens to purchase animals only from registered livestock markets and designated enclosures set up by the company, and to avoid purchasing from roadside sellers.
He further clarified that sacrificial animals are not officially labeled or numbered by any formal system.
At the same time, competition between livestock traders and buyers has intensified in markets, with a visible increase in the supply of small and large sacrificial animals, although buyer participation remains relatively moderate.
Despite greater supply, the number of buyers has not increased proportionately, creating a competitive pricing and sales environment between merchants and buyers.
