Cattle Trading Reaches Peak Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha

As Eid-ul-Adha approaches in Pakistan, commercial activity is surging at Asia’s largest livestock market, which extends across 1,200 acres alongside Karachi’s Northern Bypass.

Muslims globally observe Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, annually in the final month of the Islamic calendar. This year, Eid-ul-Adha is anticipated to begin on Saturday, June 17, in Pakistan.

Shahab Ali Ikram, the administrator of the Northern Bypass Cattle Market, informed that approximately 250,000 animals have been brought to the location, with expectations of reaching 300,000 by the second day of Eid.

Estimates suggest that the Northern Bypass market alone will see business exceeding Rs38 billion this year.

Concerning inflation and consumer purchasing capabilities, the administrator clarified that the cattle market relies on negotiation.

“Given that the market operates on bargaining, establishing a fixed minimum price proves challenging. Regarding the upper end, a vendor named Saleem Chacha secured a deal selling a pair of animals for Rs17.5 million (Rs1.75 crore), marking the most significant transaction thus far,” he stated.

Ikram added that gate pass costs were reduced for the public’s convenience in 2025.

Vehicle gate passes were lowered from Rs6,500 to Rs3,250, while motorbike passes decreased from Rs3,000 to Rs1,500.

“Furthermore, various banks have installed ATM facilities within the market to facilitate transactions,” he mentioned.

The administrator also conveyed that the market is segmented into 12 blocks, representing regions like Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Sibi.

Bilal Shah, a buyer at the Northern Bypass market, noted the requirement for a complimentary gate pass for exiting the market after purchasing livestock.

“This recent introduction benefits both buyers and sellers alike,” he commented.

Khawaja Usman Sohail, a regular visitor to the Northern Bypass market, shared that animals are being sold for between Rs80,000 and Rs125,000 per maund (about 40kg).

“The amenities at the market have greatly improved this year, ranging from digital banking solutions to food stalls,” he added.

Regarding gate passes, Sohail mentioned the availability of a Google Form for acquiring them and praised the fee reduction, believing such measures will enhance the market’s activity.

Sohail also pointed out that individuals are procuring sacrificial animals from smaller markets and cattle farms throughout the city, as the main market on the Northern Bypass is distant for numerous Karachi residents.

Various markets have emerged across the city, including areas like Malir, Bhains colony, Lyari, Mawach Goth, Yusuf Goth, Orangi Town, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and New Karachi.

Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi has issued a directive prohibiting unauthorized cattle markets and roadside animal sales.

The city administration intends to enforce strict measures to manage market operations and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.

“There is a growing trend among people to acquire sacrificial animals from alternative sources due to perceived negligible price variances between the main market at the Northern Bypass and smaller local markets,” he stated.

“While Asia’s largest market remains significant, this pattern could influence its standing in the years ahead.”