Lahoris Start Searching for the Perfect Sacrifice
APP
Lahore: With Eid-ul-Azha fast approaching, Lahore’s cattle markets are pulsing with life, color, and commerce. From the sprawling grounds of Shahpur Kanjran to the bustling alleys of Sagian, the festive frenzy is unmistakable. Shoppers in droves comb through livestock pens, eyeing bulls, goats, and camels in search of the perfect sacrificial animal — but this year, they’re doing so with a wary eye on their wallets.
For many, the joy of Eid preparations is being tempered by a sharp spike in animal prices. “Last year, we bought a bull for Rs. 180,000. This time, a similar animal costs over Rs. 300,000,” said Muhammad Arshad, a buyer at Sagian Mandi. “Prices are just too high, but it’s a religious obligation — what can we do?”
Vendors, on the other hand, say the increase is justified. “Feed prices, transportation, and medical care have all become more expensive,” explained Zahid Hussain, a cattle trader who brought animals from Bahawalpur. “We’re not profiteering — we’re just trying to make ends meet.”
In Sagian, the price tags reflect this inflation: goats, rams, and camels are being sold for anywhere between Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 200,000.
Bulls and calves, depending on size and breed, range from Rs. 200,000 to an eye-watering Rs. 400,000. Yet despite the cost, spirits remain high. Children tug at their parents’ hands, excitedly pointing at animals, while adults haggle and inspect livestock with practiced eyes.
The most popular choices? Bulls with striking black, white, and brown coats — often the stars of the show.
This year’s cattle season has also been marked by a significant development: the inauguration of the Shahpur Kanjran Model Cattle Market by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Touted as Pakistan’s most advanced livestock trading facility, the market covers 74 acres and can accommodate up to 25,000 large animals and 150,000 small ones.
With 20 expansive sheds equipped with fans and shaded spaces for livestock, traders and buyers alike are calling it a game-changer.
“This is the future of livestock trade in Pakistan,” said an official from the Livestock Department. “It’s not just about buying and selling — it’s about comfort, hygiene, and modernization.”
But with such large crowds converging ahead of Eid, authorities are not taking any chances. The Punjab Home Department has issued a province-wide security advisory.
It includes heightened surveillance at sensitive locations, checkpoints at entry and exit points, and activation of district disaster management protocols. Intelligence committees have been tasked with monitoring security threats and ensuring coordination across districts.
“We want to ensure that the spirit of Eid is celebrated without fear,” said a senior police official. “These gatherings are a part of our culture and religion — it’s our duty to make them safe.”
As the countdown to Eid-ul-Azha continues, Lahore’s cattle markets remain the heartbeat of the city’s festive preparations — a blend of tradition, trade, and togetherness, all set against the backdrop of a rising cost of devotion.
