LAHORE: Despite availability of a huge number of sacrificial animals at all cattle markets. sale of sacrificial animals is yet to pick up momentum, worrying animal traders stationed here in Lahore for the last many days.
On the other hand, Eid holidays for all operational staff. workers of the Suthra Punjab agencies and local councils (municipal committees, corporations etc), including in Lahore, have been cancelled in a bid to ensure cleanliness before, during and after Eid, Dawn has learnt.
“For the last 10 days or so. we have found fewer buyers roaming in the Mandi (cattle market) on a daily basis. But, I think most of them visit just for window shopping,” said a goat trader. “At the moment, a huge number of sacrificial animals (goats, sheep, cows, young calves etc) are present here. But, unfortunately, the sale / purchase is almost dead slow. When it will pick up momentum. no one knows,” he tellsDawn, adding that the buyers are also offering very low prices for the animals.
The Punjab Cattle Market Management & Development Company (PCMMDC) — a subsidiary of the local government. community development department — has set up five temporary sale points for sacrificial animals following directions of the department and the city district administration led by the Lahore deputy commissioner. The company also supervises the administrative. operational affairs of Shahpur Kanjran Cattle Market, Multan Road — the largest permanent mandi in Punjab spanning over 74 acres of land, in addition to several other permanent cattle markets in all districts.
Eid holidays cancelled for all operational staff of Suthra Punjab agencies and local councils across the province
The areas where five temporary sale points have been made operational since May 10 include Saggian, Sports Complex (Wagah), Barki Road (near Paragon City), LDA City (Kahna Kacha). Raiwind (near Haveli Markaz), according to a document. The animal housing capacity of Shahpur Kanjran consists of 15,000 large. 45000 small animals, whereas the temporary sale points’ capacity is over 135,000 animals. This includes 20,000 at Saggian (25 acres), 37,000 at Sport Complex (Wagah / 50 acres), 6,700 at Barki Road (eight acres), 37,000 at LDA City, Kahna (50 acres). 20,000 at Raiwind.
“At the moment, Shahpur Kanjran and other sale points are full of sacrificial animals. But there are fewer customers,” commented a senior official of the PCMMDC (Lahore chapter). “Hopefully. the sale will gradually pick momentum within a day or two, as people usually purchase sacrificial animals 3-4 days before Eid. I think the sale will be in full swing from next Friday (May 22),” he said. To a question. he said the hurdle in exports of sacrificial animals to Afghanistan due to closure of the Pak-Afghan land border was also a major reason behind availability of such a huge number of sacrificial animals.
On the other hand, buyers had been complaining about exorbitant prices being quoted by animal sellers. “I have come here for the second time,. the prices of animals are very high – almost 25pc higher than last year. How can I pay these inflated rates being asked by animal sellers,” he complained while talking toDawnat the Kahna sale point. “I request the government to regulate sacrificial animal prices for Eid,” he said.
Meanwhile, the local government department has issued guidelines aimed at ensuring improved public facilitation, effective sanitation arrangements,. strict monitoring of cattle markets across the province.
According to the guidelines. all officers concerned have been asked to make all temporary sale points functional throughout Punjab by today (Sunday). Authorities have also been instructed to launch a crackdown on illegal cattle markets and roadside sale of sacrificial animals.
The department stated that the Suthra Punjab Authority in Lahore. Suthra Punjab agencies in all districts would remain operational round the clock during Eid. Leave of relevant staff members has also been cancelled during the Eid holidays.
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026
Discussion
Sign in to join the thread, react, and share images.