02 February 2004	Monday	10 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 1: The prices of sacrificial animals registered record high a day before Eidul Azha here on Sunday, animal sellers and purchasers in various markets said.

They said export of cow, sheep and goats to the Middle Eastern countries and checks on the smuggling of cattle from India were the main reasons for the ever highest rates of the animals this year.

Similarly, the number of sacrificial animals brought from various areas was stated to be quite low as compared to last year. President Jamiatul Quresh Meat Welfare Association Khursheed Qureshi said over 50 per cent of animals in the country were being exported to the Middle East, resulting an increase in the prices of the sacrificial animals.

An animal-sealer, Rehman, said since the start of winter Punjab had been the only province catering to the need of meat in the country, because, he added, due to snowfall animals were not being supplied from the Northern Areas.

An official of the Capital Development Authority told Dawn that three places, one each at sector G-11/3, I-11/3 and a green belt in front of sector G-11/4, had been designated for selling sacrificial animals.

Another animal seller, Jehanzeb, in the I-11/3 market said last year herds of ox, goats and sheep were seen at almost every corner of the city a month before the Eid while most of the animals had been sold out well in advance. "But this year the Bakra Mandi has been without a buyer," he said.

Median prices of goats and lamb remained at Rs6,000 and Rs5,000, respectively. However, a very limited number of sheep were brought in the market. The prices of sheep also started from Rs5,000.

The prices varied according to the animals' size, breed, body, beauty and weight. Healthy goats and lambs were being sold for Rs7,000 to Rs18,000 each.Some other animal sellers in the same market said recently a pair of goat had been sold for Rs32,000.

Similarly, prices of ox also remained high at Rs15,000 to Rs40,000 each. The asking rate for camel started from Rs30,000. A butcher said they had also increased their rates for slaughtering sacrificial animals. They were asking Rs500 to Rs700 per goat and sheep, and Rs1,000 to Rs1,500 for an ox. The administrations of various Madressahs have installed banners and posters at different localities for obtaining skins.