Livestock vendors wait for customers to sell goats and sheep ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha at a ground in Chennai on July 28, 2020. - Eid al-Adha, feast of the sacrifice, marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to Allah. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP)
In preparation for Eidul Azha, a total of 12 cattle markets are being established in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to facilitate the sale of sacrificial animals.
In Rawalpindi, the district administration has identified eight designated sites, which are expected to become operational within the next two to three days. Meanwhile, in Islamabad, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has confirmed a main market in sector I-12, while additional markets are planned at various other locations. Notably, the traditional cattle market in sector I-15 has not yet been activated.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema emphasized that the sale and purchase of animals will only be permitted at officially allocated markets, and any unapproved setups across the district will not be allowed.
He also instructed relevant departments to ensure that insecticide spraying, fire brigade vehicles, and other essential services are readily available at all sale sites. In addition, the traffic police have been directed to implement a comprehensive traffic plan to manage congestion around market areas.
Tehsil Rawalpindi:
Tehsil Gujar Khan:
Tehsil Taxila:
Tehsil Kallar Syedan:
Tehsil Kahuta:
In Islamabad, the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) has auctioned spaces for markets in I-12, Sangjani, Bhara Kahu, and near Zia Masjid on the Expressway. According to an official, the I-12 market was auctioned for Rs 52.2 million, Sangjani for Rs 47 million, Bhara Kahu for Rs 1.5 million, while a Rs 23 million bid was received for the I-15 market, where the city’s main mandi is traditionally set up.
Although the I-15 market’s bid was lower than in previous years, the official stated that setting up the I-12 mandi would help compensate for the shortfall. “Overall, this year’s revenue from cattle markets has surpassed last year’s,” the official claimed.
He added that the successful bidder for I-15 has been approved to establish the market, clarifying that there is no delay from the authorities