Rawalpindi:
While the Eidul Azha religious festival approaches rapidly, three main sacrificial sacrificial markets created in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have so far failed to attract potential buyers by rushing up.
With only four remaining days up to Eidul Azha, the three main livestock markets in twin cities- Bhata Ground (Canton), I-12 and Rawat-Kallar Syedan- overflowing with animals. However, buyers are rare.
The prices of the sky of goats, sheep, cows, bulls and camels have left most people unable to afford an animal of their choice. If this trend continues, traders could again be forced to resume unsold livestock at home, as happened last EID.
Many citizens unable to allow themselves individual animals have already started handing the organizations organizing collective (spouses) sacrifices.
Contracts for the three main livestock markets were sold at auction at high rates with the Bhata soil market at RS165.7 million, the I-12 RS55M market and the Syedan market in Rawat-Kallar to more than RS30M.
After these auctions, livestock was transported to Punjab trucks and other provinces. Arrangements such as tents, lighting, drinking water, animal food, safety, vehicle parking and livestock health inspections by veterinarians have been done on these markets.
Despite these facilities, sales were lamentable.
A 20 kg goat is as high as Rs 100,000 or more, depending on weight and appearance. The bulls weighing approximately five maunds (around 200 kg) have a price between 300,000 Rs to 400,000 rupees. For collective sacrifices, a unique share in a large animal now costs 70,000 rupees at 80,000 rupees, making joint purchases unaffordable for many.
Shocked by high prices, most buyers learn about prices, pose photos with animals, then move away. On the three markets, buyers are seen in the evening, but purchases remain low. The discussions and arguments between traders and buyers under the tents have become a common scene.
Buyers turn to collective sacrifices
Since the prices of livestock remain out of reach, many residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad turn to options of collective sacrifice, where a part can be reserved for as low as RS35,000. Many are now obliged to opt for this alternative to fulfill the religious obligation of Sunnat-E-Ibrahimi.
