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ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):The cattle market of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has witnessed a significant surge in prices over the past few weeks, leaving many buyers struggling to afford sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha.
The prices of goats, cows, and buffaloes have increased by up to 30% compared to last year, citing rising feed costs and demand.
A local buyer Ali Asad while sharing his experience said “I had budgeted PKR 50,000 for a goat, but now I’m being quoted PKR 70,000 for the same quality and this increase is putting a lot of pressure on middle-class families like mine.”
He told that the rates of goats, sheep, buffalos, and cows were overstated, forcing people to go home empty-handed. He further said a small goat that cost Rs 55,000 last year now costs up to Rs 100,000, while a heifer that cost Rs 150,000 last year now costs Rs 240,000.
Another buyer, Muhammad Arshad, expressed frustration over the high prices, saying, “We are forced to compromise on the quality or size of the animal. Many people might end up buying smaller or less expensive animals.” Buyers feel traders were charging unfair prices due to lack of regulation. A standardized pricing mechanism for sacrificial animals is necessary to ensure fairness,he stated.
He said some buyers were even turning to online platforms to purchase sacrificial animals, which has become increasingly popular since the pandemic.
He said the government has announced measures to regulate the market and ensure fair prices, but many believe more needs to be done to make Eid-ul-Azha accessible to all.
Commenting on high prices,cattle market owner Muhammad Imtiaz said “We are selling at high prices due to increased feed costs and transportation expenses.”
He said high demand for sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha drives up prices adding that prices of fodder, labor, and other inputs have gone up, so they have to adjust prices accordingly.
“We aim to make a fair profit while meeting the demand for quality animals”,he stated.
He said despite the price hike, enthusiasm among buyers remains high, but many are struggling to afford the animals. 395