The prices of the sacrificial animals have registered an unprecedented increase this year owing to increase in transportation charges and other associated expenses. Traders have started to bring animals in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and are herding in the streets to attract the customers though Eid-ul-Azha is still two weeks away.
The sellers are demanding high prices for the animals because they have a lot of time to wait for the customers ready to pay their desired prices.
Traders expressed the hope that sales would gain momentum in coming.
“Maximum number of animals is expected to be sold on day before Eid-ul-Azha as usual,” they said.
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the price of A category goat/sheep has increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, of B category from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 and C category to Rs 10,000 and above.
But, despite the increased prices of sacrificial animals, demand of the animals is being expected to get momentum ahead of Eid-ul Azha in few days.
Customers said that the prices were likely to come down in case a large number of animals arrived in the twin cities before Eid.
The annual sacrificial animal market would be established in Sector I-11/4 of the federal capital for purchase of animals for the festival of Eid-ul-Azha from October 17.
TMA imposes ban on the entry of sacrificial animals
Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) on Sunday imposed complete ban on the entry of sacrificial animals in a bid to keep the city neat and clean on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
On the special instructions of District Coordination Officer (DCO) Saqib Zafar, Rawal Town Administrator Saif Anwar Jappa prohibited entry of sacrificial animals in the city for selling purpose.
TMA constituted a squad to confiscate the animals besides imposing fine on the violators.
Tehsil Municipal Administration squad will visit various localities including Cricket Stadium, Syed pur Road, Pirwadhai, Khana Road, Marreer Hassan and Railway workshop.
The average price of a goat this year has gone up from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. Dealers are demanding Rs 70,000-80,000 for animals which produce around 80 kg meat.
Bidding for sacrificial
animal bazaars in RCB today
Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has decided to arrange sacrificial animal bazaars at three sites and bidding for the establishment of the same will be held today (Monday).
Sources said that sacrificial animal bazaar would be arranged at three locations including Dhoke Saidan, Chakara Road, and Peshawar Road.
An official said that RCB is expected to get Rs2 million from bazaars as it will operate for 10 days.
Entry fee for sheep and goats would be Rs200 while Rs300 for Ox and this would be charged from buyers.
However, establishment of animal bazaar and open sale of sacrificial animals in the premises of Rawal Town has been banned.