KHYBER: A herd of 31 sheep arrived from Afghanistan via Torkham on Saturday after completion of necessary formalities and establishment of a quarantine centre in Landi Kotal for medical check-up.

Livestock dealers said that it was the first consignment of Afghan sheep after Customs and security officials denied ban on its import. They said that Rs800 was charged as Customs duty for every sheep after their arrival at the border.

The dealers had earlier complained about difficulties in bringing sacrificial animals from Afghanistan via Torkham border due to some strict health-related restrictions.

The restrictions and consequent reluctance of livestock dealers to import Afghan sheep resulted in increase in the prices of local sheep in the cattle market.

Sajid Mian, a local resident, said that price of a local sheep was increased to Rs35,000 in comparison to Rs25,000 of last year. He expressed optimism that with the arrival of Afghan sheep in market, the prices would stabilise, providing an opportunity to people to perform the religious retual of animal sacrifice during Eidul Azha.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2021