RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamer Khattak has directed the deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Murree to identify state land for the establishment of cattle markets.

Currently, there are 11 cattle markets in the Rawalpindi Division, of which only Gondal Market is situated on government land.

He instructed the deputy commissioner of Attock to identify state land in Domel, and the deputy commissioner of Chakwal to do the same in Talagang and Chakwal for the establishment of cattle markets.

He further directed them to submit rent assessment reports for Domel, Gali Jagir, Pindi Gheb, Kallar Syedan, Chakwal, Pichnand and Dadhial as soon as possible.

The commissioner also directed that a committee be formed at the tehsil level under the concerned assistant commissioner, which will include representatives from the local government and the Cattle Market Management Company.

Mr Khattak emphasised that the committee must closely monitor the administrative affairs and facilities being provided by contractors in the market, particularly livestock vaccination, provision of clean drinking water, presence of all animals brought for sale within the market premises, and sanitation arrangements.

Additionally, it must be ensured that no animals are kept outside the market area or on roads to prevent disruption of traffic flow.

The commissioner instructed the Cattle Market Management Company administration to ensure that entry fees are charged strictly according to the fixed rates and in line with the prescribed procedure.

The meeting, held at the commissioner’s office in Rawalpindi, was attended in person by the managing director of the Cattle Market Company, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema, and other concerned officials. The deputy commissioners of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree participated via video link.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2025