As Eidul Azha approaches, Asia’s largest cattle market has been set up at the Super Highway near the Vegetable Market five kilometres north of Karachi on 1,000 acres of land for providing sacrificial animals to the general public to perform the holy ritual.
Interestingly, at least 200 VIP tents would also be installed in the market in the coming days for costly animals, and an area over 4,000 square feet has already been allocated for the purpose.
Officials of the cattle market said, “The cattle market has been divided into two major zones. Zone-I is established on an area of 700 acres for cows, camels and buffaloes, whereas Zone-II comprises 300 acres of land for smaller animals like goats.”
They said sacrificial animals from all over the country have started arriving and the number of animals would reach over 1,200 within a few days. “After a week, the sale of animals would touch 200,000 a day,” they added.
Like a small town, all basic amenities are available at the market that has established for a month. Food outlets, hotels, mosques, and paan, retail and feed shops have also been set up to facilitate the traders.
Moreover, booths of different banks with ATM machines would also be installed in the market. A parking lot of 22 acres would be established to cater to the rush of people, besides arranging strict security measures for buyers and sellers. These shops and ATM machines would remain functional 24 hours a day.
Beautiful, healthy and strong animals collected from all across the country kept in lavishly decorated tents are reserved for VIP customers. A large number of women and children also visit these special tents.
Furthermore, Karachi Administrator Muhammad Hussain Syed has directed all town administrators to take action against the establishment of illegal bakra mandis (cattle markets) in the city.
It has been reiterated through an official notification that within the jurisdiction of the City District Government Karachi, only one cattle market has been established at the main Super Highway, Scheme 36, to avoid violence, breach of peace and traffic congestions.
