ISLAMABAD: Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) on Tuesday stated that six temporary cattle markets for sacrificial animals in Islamabad have been auctioned for a record Rs349.5 million.

“A cashless system will be ensured in the temporary cattle markets for sacrificial animals. Transparency and merit have been ensured in the auction process,” says a press release.

“The temporary cattle market in Sector I-12 was auctioned for Rs200.1 million, while the temporary cattle market in Sangjani was auctioned for Rs62.5 million.

Similarly, the temporary cattle market at Zia Masjid was auctioned for Rs50 million and the temporary cattle market at Sultana Foundation was auctioned for Rs25 million.

Meanwhile, the temporary cattle market on Japan Road was auctioned for Rs6.2 million and the temporary cattle market at Bahara Kahu was auctioned for Rs6.1 million. Thus, a total of six different cattle markets were auctioned for Rs349.5 million,” read the press release.

It said that compared to the auction of temporary cattle markets held last year, there has been an increase of approximately 120 per cent.

“The auction process for the cattle markets was conducted entirely on a transparent and merit-based basis. A total of 104 bidders actively participated in the auction process. To prevent the establishment of illegal cattle markets in the city, relevant teams of the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) are continuously ensuring monitoring activities in various areas.

In line with the direction of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, a zero-tolerance policy against illegal cattle markets will be strictly enforced. The purpose of establishing cattle markets is to ensure public convenience, hygiene, and maintain the city’s cleanliness standards,” the press release said.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2026