Islamabad:
The cattle markets in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have had a sharp increase in prices in front of Eidul Azha, leaving many buyers struggling with sacrificial animals.
The prices of goats, cows and buffaloes increased up to 30% compared to last year, traders citing increased costs of food, transport and demand for demand as key factors.
Ali Asad, a local buyer, shared his frustration: “I had planned RS50,000 for a goat, but the same quality now costs 70,000 rupees. This puts a huge pressure on the middle class families.”
He added that the small goats now cost up to 100,000 rupees, while the price of a heifer has gone from 150,000 rupees to RS240,000. Another buyer, Muhammad Arshad, has echoed similar concerns, saying that many people are forced to compromise on the size or quality of animals due to unobordable rate. He called for government intervention and a standardized pricing mechanism to prevent exploitation.
Meanwhile, some buyers turn to online platforms for more affordable options, a trend that has gained popularity during the pandemic.
The Muhammad Imtiaz cattle merchant defended the high prices, declaring: “We have noticed a significant increase in fodder, fuel and labor costs. Although demand is high, we must also adjust prices to cover expenses and ensure fair profit.” Despite inflation, the enthusiasm for Eid’s preparations remains solid, although affordability remains a key concern for many families.
