Peshawar:
As the EID-UL-Adha approaches, the cattle markets through Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are unclogged. However, exorbitant prices and the absence of appropriate health measures on these markets have raised concerns among buyers and animal health experts.
The Peshawar district administration officially appointed two main cattle markets for the holiday season, with one in the Ring Road and the other in Lala Kalay.
These markets draw cattle across the country, notably Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and various other regions of Punjab.
However, traders using animals sell them at considerably high prices, often without regulatory supervision.
Muhammad Haroon Khan, a Peshawar resident who visited the ring market to buy a sacrificial animal, the prices of livestock told L’Express have told the last year. “A regular animal that would cost around RS2 to 3 lakhs last year is now between RS3 and 5 lakhs. Smaller animals like sheep and goats are sold for Rs1 to 5 lakhs each.
The administration invoice RS1,500 by animal of traders, but does not provide any veterinary examination or relief for the public. There are no veterinarians on site to assess animal health, “said Khan.
Naeemullah Khan, another visitor from Peshawar, echoes similar concerns.
“There is no price regulation. Each seller requires the price they want, some requesting up to Rs10 Lakh for a small animal. The government should implement a check and balance system. Economy,” noted Naemullah.
On the other side of the rift are the traders of livestock. Ramzan Ali, a cattle merchant, who brought Multan animals to Peshawar, defended high prices. “There is a story in the media that traders exploit buyers, but reality is different. We have bought these animals at very high prices. We are not in the area of losses; we are looking for an equitable profit. The rise in operational costs, including fuel prices, transport costs, and labor costs have all increased. Standardizing transport funds, animal prices have naturally decreased, “said Ali.
When approached for a commentary, a senior civil servant of the cattle department, speaking on condition of anonymity, told L’Express PK Press Club that the department had taken measures to ensure animal welfare on the markets.
“We have assigned a veterinary doctor and a disinfection spray team to each market. If an animal is found sick, free medicines are provided. Banners with hygiene guidelines have been placed the cattle markets, and public awareness campaigns are under under Diseases, included the potentialy fatal Congo virus.
While the AID-UID-UL-Adha count continues, citizens hope that better regulations and government surveillance will make the festive sacrifice more accessible and safer for everyone.
