Planning Minister Asad Umar has said that more than 500 illegal cattle markets across the country have been shut down over the last few days.

In a tweet, he said: "A few days ago, the chief secretaries were instructed to take action against illegal cattle markets in a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). Law enforcement agencies are are doing this (shutting down illegal cattle markets) for our protection."

Umar also appealed to the people to cooperate.