Bhata Ground cattle market draws animals from across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A major cattle market for Eidul Azha has been set up at Bhata Ground at the junction of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with animals continuing to arrive from different parts of the country on the second day after its formal inauguration.

According to officials, the Cantonment Board awarded the contract for the cattle market, which spans 32 acres at Bhata Ground. The market has been described as the country’s second largest cattle market after Karachi.

Officials said arrangements have been made for electricity, water, animal feed and cleanliness at the site. The Livestock Department has also established camps at the market to examine animals being brought in for sale.

Bulls, cows, buffaloes, camels, goats and sheep are being transported to the market from all four provinces as well as Azad Kashmir. Large tents have been erected to accommodate the animals, where healthy, attractive and heavyweight sacrificial animals are being readied for buyers.

Prices remain high for buyers

Animal prices at the market are currently high, with traders seeking steep rates for sacrificial animals. Buyers said the overall cost becomes even harder to manage once expenses such as feed, tent rent, water and electricity are included.

Customers said they wanted to fulfil the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim, but the prices of animals had moved beyond what many could afford. Traders, meanwhile, continued to bring animals into the market as activity picked up following the opening.

Contractor of the Bhata Ground cattle market, Mustafa Baloch, said that besides providing a good environment for buyers, traders were also not facing any difficulties.

The market is expected to remain a focal point for Eidul Azha trading in the twin cities as sellers and buyers gather there in the coming days. With official arrangements in place and livestock inspection camps operating at the site, the market has started receiving a steady inflow of animals from across the country.

The arrival of sacrificial animals from multiple regions has added to the scale of activity at Bhata Ground, where different categories of livestock are now available. Even so, the issue of affordability remains central for many visitors, who say rising costs are making purchases increasingly difficult despite their desire to perform the religious ritual.