RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has approved a sum of Rs200 million to establishment a model cattle market in the Rawalpindi division, with similar markets being established in each district of the division later on.

A senior official told Dawn the model cattle market will be established at Gondal, in the Attock district, and work on the project will begin soon. The Gondal cattle market is the largest for the sale and purchase of cows, buffaloes and oxen, and has been operating in the area for centuries.

The official said the government wanted to modernise the market and present it as a model for the other three districts in the division. He said the cattle markets would be run by the Rawalpindi Cattle Market Management Company, under the supervision of the divisional commissioner.

The Punjab government has established companies in the divisions, and commissioners have been appointed managing directors.

Chani Sher Alam is the main cattle market in the Rawalpindi district, but its development will be carried out after this project.

He said under the plan, the market will receive clean drinking water, CCTV cameras, a parking area, bank outlets, electronic ticketing, slaughter areas, generators, a veterinary dispensary and other facilities, at a cost of Rs200 million.

The official said the model cattle market project aims to encourage people to buy and sell cattle, and reduce unemployment in the remote areas of the division.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2017