Cow and Goat Prices Stun Buyers in Cattle Markets

With only four days left until Eid ul Azha, serious buyers are nowhere to be found in the three major livestock markets set up in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad due to unaffordable prices. The markets have failed to attract people willing to purchase. Many buyers are seen visiting in the evenings, but most leave without making any purchases, often after taking pictures and inquiring about prices. A 20-kg goat is priced at around Rs. 100,000 or more, while bulls weighing approximately 200 kg are selling for Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 400,000. Even joint purchasing options, where a single share in a larger animal costs Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000, are proving too expensive for many. Frustrated buyers have increasingly begun turning toward collective sacrifice, where a share can be booked for as low as Rs. 35,000. Livestock has been brought in from Punjab and other provinces, and authorities have provided tents, lighting, water, feed, parking, and veterinary services. However, despite these facilities, sales remain slow. Many traders fear a repeat of last Eid, when they were forced to take unsold animals back home. It’s clear that soaring costs have made this year’s sacrifice a luxury fewer can afford.