ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: The capital administration established cattle markets at six locations in the capital, besides Rawalpindi’s allocated eight sites for the cattle markets in the district from May 17, and it imposed a ban on the establishment of illegal markets and sale of sacrificial animals in the streets and roads.

In Islamabad, the administration decided to establish the markets at Zia Masjid, I-12, Barakahu, Latrar Road, Sultana Foundation, Sangjani and Japan Road.

The administrations said assistant commissioners visited the markets to review arrangements.

They reviewed the arrangements of parking, clean water supply, and the sanitation process.

Establishment of illegal markets, cattle trading on roads banned

Besides, the traffic flow process on the road adjacent to the market was also inspected.

During the visit, arrangements of electricity and other facilities in the market were also reviewed.

Traders coming from far away should be provided with all facilities in the markets, the deputy commissioner said, adding that buying and selling of livestock is not allowed at any place other than the markets.

The assistant commissioners will be accountable for temporary markets being established on highways, he said, requesting the people to buy livestock only from government markets.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema told Dawn that the district administration decided to allocate sites to establish cattle markets where preventive measures should be taken to save the animals and people from any outbreak of the virus.

These sites are Bhatta Chowk, Mouza Ranyal Chakri Road and Plot near Police Station Rewat in Rawalpindi tehsil, Gulyana Road, Gujar Khan, Sharif Hospital Bus Stop, Wah Cantonment, Timber Market Road, Taxila, Bypass Chowk, Kallar Syedan and Tangi Road Kahuta.

He said that Punjab government had asked clearly that there would be no negligence in this regard and asked to adopt all the standard operating measures.

He said that all assistant commissioners, chief officers, and municipal committees had been directed to make all necessary arrangements by May 17 so that sellers/buyers may be accommodated with necessary precautionary measures as per the directives of Punjab.

He said that the duties of livestock, veterinary doctor, revenue, police and civil defence personnel should be assigned at the check post. The duty roster should be updated on a daily basis.

He said that arrangements should be made according to all the SOPs regarding mosquito spray at the check post and control of the Congo virus.

He said that cattle markets should be established away from the urban population.

The record of all types of animals present in the cattle market should be kept.

“A veterinary doctor should also be present at the entrances of the cattle market so that the animals at the local level are allowed to enter the cattle market after a proper check-up,” he said.

He said that our aim was that no sick animal could enter the cattle market. The duty roster in the market should be updated every day.

He said that Section 144 should be implemented so that no illegal cattle market is established.

“It is summer season, tents should be set up in all the markets and provision of animal fodder and water should be ensured. Special arrangements should be made for clean drinking water for the people in cattle markets,” he said.

“The special measures should be taken to clean the markets,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026