MANSEHRA: The prices of sacrificial animals have increased by almost 40 per cent in the cattle markets across the district compared to the rates last year.

As the Eidul Azha draws near the cattle markets are being established rapidly in Mansehra, Balakot, Shinkiari and other parts of the district.

The main animal market in Mansehra, which has been holding once a week on Monday for the last many decades, would continue hosting sacrificial animals from across Hazara division and Punjab until Eid.

“Prices of sacrificial animals are much higher as compared to prices on last Eid,” said Mohammad Ayub, a local man. He said that most people won’t be able to perform sacrifice this Eid due to sky rocketing prices of animals.

However, he expressed optimism that price would come down as the religious festival drew nearer.

Another buyer, Mohammad Bashir said that he was surprised to see that sheep and goats were very limited in the market compared to buffalos and cows. “It is a clear indication that now people have no purchasing power to perform sacrificial rituals in individual capacity and would have to participate in collective sacrifice,” he added.

Mohammad Qudoos, an animal seller, however said that prices were reasonable but buyers were very few. He said that those who had been objecting to the prices should also keep in mind the prevailing price hike in the country. He said that rates of animal fodder and other related commodities had increased manifold.  

Another buyer, Mohammad Arshad said that he had been expecting a dip in the animals’ priced in the coming days.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2014