Islamabad:
Cattle markets in the twin towns of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have seen a sharp increase in prices ahead of Eidul Azha, leaving many buyers struggling to afford sacrificial animals.
Prices for goats, cows and buffaloes have risen by up to 30% compared to last year, with dealers citing increased costs for feed, transport and rising demand as key factors.
Ali Asad, a local buyer, shared his frustration: “I had budgeted RS50,000 for a goat, but the same quality now costs RS70,000. This puts a huge burden on middle -class families.”
He added that small goats now cost as much as RS100,000, while the price of one heifer has jumped from RS150,000 to RS240,000. Another buyer, Muhammad Arshad, repeated similar concerns and said many people are forced to compromise on the size or quality of the animal due to insurmountable prices. He called for government intervention and a standardized price mechanism to prevent exploitation.
Meanwhile, some buyers turn to online platforms for more affordable opportunities, a trend that gained popularity during the pandemic.
Cattle dealer Muhammad IMTIAZ defended the high prices and said, “We have seen a significant increase in feed, fuel and labor costs. While demand is high, we also need to adjust prices to cover expenses and ensure a fair profit.” Despite inflation, enthusiasm for Eid preparations remains strong, although affordable prices remain an important problem for many families.
