Rawalpindi:
During the three days of Eidul Azha, the temporary meat markets were born through the center of Rawalpindi, in particular along Jamia Masjid Road, Fawara Chowk and Ganj Mandi Road. These makeshift stands have sold sacrificial sheep and beef collected in the neighborhoods and streets.
Several families of professional beggars have set up meat stands, offering sheep at RS1,000 to Rs1 200 per kilogram and beef to RS600 per kilogram – lower significantly to the market prices, where the sheep sells for RS2 400 and the beef for 1,400 rupees per kilogram.
Meat sales culminated in Eid on Jamia Masjid Road, Raja Bazaar and Ganj Mandi Road. Men, women and children – all identified as professional beggars – were seen to direct these temporary stands. The meat has drawn considerable attention from the middle class buyers, while the small owners of restaurants and Dhaba buy it in bulk. Street vendors, in particular Kebab sellers operating from trolleys, also bought large quantities.
In addition to meat, heads and hooves of goats, sheep and bulls have been cleaned and sold. Many of these sellers have used motorcycle rickshaws to transport their goods.
Due to the abundance of sacrificial meat, most butcher’s shops in twin cities should remain closed for the next two weeks.
