Eidul Azha Animal Prices Surge Across Pakistan Cattle Markets

Sacrificial animal prices have climbed sharply across Pakistan’s cattle markets as Eidul Azha approaches, putting added pressure on households already dealing with rising living costs. The latest market situation, reported on Sunday, shows strong public interest in livestock purchases but slower buying activity because many families are finding current rates difficult to afford.

Temporary cattle markets have been set up in major and smaller cities ahead of the festival, drawing traders from livestock-producing areas and buyers from urban centres. However, despite a visible increase in the number of goats, sheep, bulls, calves and camels arriving in markets, traders and customers remain locked in tough bargaining over prices.

Market participants say prices vary widely because Pakistan does not have a fixed official pricing formula for sacrificial animals. Rates are being set according to breed, weight, size, age, health, physical appearance and demand, with ordinary goats and sheep selling from around Rs90,000 to Rs125,000, while premium animals are being offered at much higher rates.

Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company spokesperson Sheikh Asad Zafar said there is no standard government mechanism for fixing livestock prices, adding that traders independently determine rates after assessing the animal’s features. He said authorities intervene in cases involving fraud, deception or illegal charges rather than directly controlling sale prices.

Large animals are placing an even bigger burden on buyers. Medium-sized bulls and calves are being quoted between Rs300,000 and Rs700,000, while heavier and high-breed animals can reach Rs800,000 to Rs1.5 million. Camel prices are also reportedly moving between Rs500,000 and Rs2 million, depending on size and quality.

Traders argue that the price surge is linked to higher costs of fodder, medicines, transport, vaccination and general animal care. Breeders say raising healthy and visually attractive animals requires months of spending, and those costs are eventually reflected in the asking price when animals reach Eid markets.

Buyers, however, say the market has moved beyond the reach of ordinary families. Many visitors are inspecting animals without completing purchases, hoping that prices will soften closer to Eid, while traders are trying to recover their investment before the final rush begins.

Authorities have also increased monitoring in cattle markets to prevent overcharging through illegal fees. In Rawalpindi’s I-12 market, officials reportedly took action after complaints that extra money was being demanded from citizens, while complaint counters have been set up so buyers and sellers can report violations.

Animal health has become another concern as hot weather and crowded market conditions affect livestock. Veterinary facilities in Lahore have treated thousands of animals in recent weeks for fever, flu, cough, diarrhoea and tick-related problems, prompting experts to advise buyers to carefully inspect animals before purchase and avoid unhealthy feeding practices.

The coming days will be critical for both buyers and traders as Eid shopping reaches its peak. If prices remain high, many households may shift to collective sacrifice or delay purchases until the final hours, while authorities are expected to continue monitoring markets for illegal charges, animal health risks and consumer complaints.