Purchasers have challenges due of elevated pricing for livestock as Eid approaches.

The sacrifice of an animal at Eidul Azha is a significant aspect of the celebration. Each Eid presents a problem in acquiring an animal at a fair price, especially for individuals with limited financial resources; conversely, it is an enjoyable experience for those with sufficient funds, regardless of the legitimacy of their revenue sources. The more expensive the animal they purchase, the more they brag about it.

OSTENTATION AND MANIPULATED PRICE INCREASE

Individuals who exhibit ostentation are the primary offenders responsible for the false inflation of prices in cattle markets, thereby deterring the bulk of purchasers from acquiring sacrificial animals.

I contend that social media influencers exacerbate the issue. They arrive at cattle fairs and interview sellers, who report prices for their animals that are 100 times higher, which then disseminate on social media, influencing prospective buyers. A buyer stated to Dunya News in Shahpur Kanjra that vloggers generate excitement regarding animal costs for their ratings.

PRICE ANALYSIS IN RELATION TO PREVIOUS DATA

I traveled to Bahawalpur to purchase sacrifice animals, anticipating a low price. However, I did not observe a significant disparity in costs between Lahore and Bahawalpur. Thirty percent of prices exceed those of the previous year, a buyer informed Dunya News.

ANTICIPATING A DECLINE IN PRICES

The imminent arrival of Eid has not resulted in a surge of purchasers in the livestock markets. Individuals desire to sacrifice animals; yet, elevated prices, which I perceive as artificially inflated, deter them from fulfilling their commitment. It appears they are anticipating a decline in pricing, which occasionally occurs the day prior to Eid.

MAJOR FAUNA TREND

The tendency of large animal killing is on the rise. Seven individuals can jointly partake in a large animal, such as a cow or camel. Thus, they are able to offer an animal sacrifice, which is ordinarily challenging, especially for individuals with limited financial resources. A 120-kg cow carries around Rs200,000, while a 15-kg goat carries Rs50,000. A seminary or mosque is charging Rs30,000 to Rs35,000 for a cow sacrifice, which provides significant assistance for individuals with poor means.

RATES OF BUTCHERS

Local butchers capitalize on the event by imposing elevated costs for animal processing. A butcher charges between Rs25,000 and Rs30,000 for processing a standard-sized cow. Likewise, the cost for slaughtering a goat ranges from Rs4,000 to Rs6,000. Butchers originating from small towns and villages request relatively lower wages, thereby dismantling the monopoly of local butchers. On the first day of Eid, they negotiate a fee ranging from Rs10,000 to Rs12,000 for the slaughter of a standard-sized animal. On the second and third days, their prices decrease progressively.

INCINERATING HOOVES, CRANIA

Despite the Punjab government’s prohibition on the open burning of trotters and heads, this practice persists on all Eid days. Individuals find it handy to visit roadside stalls established for the preparation of trotters and heads. Likewise, machines for grinding meat are also operational on three Eid days.

CATTLE MARKETS AND SECURITY

The Punjab government has established temporary cattle markets and assigned police for the safeguarding of buyers and sellers. Approximately 4,000 officers and professionals are executing security responsibilities at 230 marketplaces throughout the province.

In Lahore, 1,000 police officers and soldiers have been assigned to secure 11 cattle markets. Extensive steps have been implemented to ensure the safety of traders and purchasers at animal marketplaces.

Approximately 284 patrol teams, including the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit, will execute efficient surveillance around cattle markets.
In the Sheikhupura district, 200 officers and men have been assigned to secure 26 livestock markets, while 600 officers and personnel have been allocated for the protection of 41 cattle markets in the Gujranwala region.

Over 250 officers and personnel have been assigned to secure 15 cattle markets in the Rawalpindi region, 200 officers and personnel for 24 cattle markets in the Sargodha region, more than 600 officers and personnel for 19 cattle markets in Faisalabad, 400 officers and personnel for 26 cattle markets in Multan, 200 officers and personnel for 11 cattle markets in Sahiwal, 300 officers and personnel for 35 cattle markets in Bahawalpur, and 200 officers and personnel for 22 cattle markets in DG Khan.