TAXILA: The chief executive officer of Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company (PCMMDC), Bilal Hashim, has said that this year, Punjab generated Rs15.35 billion through digital cattle auctions, as this is the first time in Punjab’s history that 112 cattle markets conducted auctions entirely through a digital platform.

He expressed these views during his visit to the Model Cattle Market in Gondal, Attock, on Wednesday.

He added that the initiative supports the provincial government’s agenda to implement digital systems for public sector operations. Mr Hashim said that with the strong support of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and the adoption of advanced digital tools, PCMMDC achieved these goals on an unprecedented scale.

He claimed that the initiative would help to ensure transparency, curb corruption and streamline the auction process through digital means.“This initiative is a key milestone in the province’s journey towards digital governance and reflects the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who is committed to modernising public service delivery for greater efficiency and accountability,” he added.

Mr Hashim was of the view that PCMMDC is dedicated to continuing this transformation across all cattle markets in Punjab to guarantee ease, fairness, and sustainable growth for all stakeholders. He maintained that the Punjab government is ensuring the provision of maximum facilities to the exporters of animals.

Earlier, the chief operating officer of the Rawalpindi Division provided a comprehensive briefing on the facilities and administrative measures implemented in the market. The briefing highlighted the availability of drinking water for both humans and animals, preventive measures against the Congo virus, sanitation plan, operational status of public toilets, performance of CCTV surveillance, and functioning of the complaints cell.

On this occasion, he reviewed the available facilities and directed that all essential services be improved immediately to ensure convenience for both buyers and livestock traders. He emphasised the importance of lime spraying after each market day as a preventive measure against the Congo virus.

Furthermore, he issued instructions to install proper signage for public guidance, initiate tree plantation within the market premises in coordination with the forest department, and increase the number of drinking water points for human use.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2025