With Eid-ul-Azha drawing closer, the sale of sacrificial animals has begun in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Traders have started bringing animals from surrounding areas of the twin cities and the process will gain momentum in the coming days. People from far-flung areas of the country bring sacrificial animals to the twin cities in the hope of getting a better price.
Presently, a small number of animals, particularly goats and sheep, have arrived in the city and the prices start from Rs 18,000 because of a limited number of animals available for sale.
The residents while talking to APP said that they were not surprised at the high prices of these animals as higher prices of other commodities automatically meant that the rates of the sacrificial animals would remain out of reach for the public.
It is expected that in case a large number of animals arrive in the city in the coming days before the Eid, the prices would go down.
Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) auctioned a temporary cattle market. The auction process was held under the supervision of municipal administration director and security director and officers from Finance and Audit Directorate.
The temporary cattle market for Eid ul Azha would be established in the I-12/2 sector, and will remain functional from Zil Hajj 01 to Zil Hajj 13 to facilitate residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and surrounding areas.
CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal directed concerned authorities to provide all required facilities, including a supply of water, streetlights and an ambulance to cope with any untoward incident.
He also directed that they ensure that there will be no illegal sale and purchase of sacrificial animals in other parts of the city except the approved location.
The chair also advised the Directorate of Municipal Administration to ensure effective monitoring for charging the prescribed entry fee approved by the authority for all kinds of sacrificial animals.