LAHORE: With Eid-ul-Adha only days away, Lahore’s cattle markets are drawing large crowds, but the usual buying excitement has noticeably cooled as sacrificial animal prices climb to record levels, leaving many families walking back without making a purchase.
The rush was visible over the weekend at Shahpur Kanjran and the city’s temporary cattle sale points, including Saggian, Wagah Sports Complex, Burki Road, LDA City and Raiwind. Yet traders say footfall has not translated into strong sales, as most visitors are checking prices, bargaining hard and delaying final decisions in the hope that rates may soften closer to Eid.
Prices this year have stretched well beyond the reach of many middle-income buyers. Small goats that were previously available for around Rs40,000 to Rs55,000 are now being quoted between Rs60,000 and Rs100,000. Medium-sized goats and sheep are hovering around Rs150,000, while healthier and better-looking animals are being priced even higher. Premium goats are being offered from Rs250,000 upwards.
The situation is no easier for those looking to buy larger animals. Average cows are being quoted between Rs150,000 and Rs250,000, while big bulls are selling in the Rs300,000 to Rs600,000 range. Camels are reportedly priced around Rs500,000, and some high-profile bulls have been tagged at eye-watering prices of Rs8 million to Rs10 million.
For many buyers, the market visit has become more of a survey than a shopping trip. Families are moving from one enclosure to another, comparing animals, asking rates and then quietly stepping away. Several buyers complained that even ordinary animals are being sold at prices that once applied only to premium livestock.
Traders, however, insist they are not overcharging for the sake of it. They point to rising fodder prices, costly transport, higher fuel expenses and months of animal maintenance as the main reasons behind the surge. Many sellers have brought animals from districts outside Lahore and say they must recover transport and feeding costs before making any profit.
The Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company says its cattle markets provide designated land, sheds, veterinary services, dry fodder shops and other livestock-related facilities for traders and buyers. The company’s official platform lists services such as animal levy collection, provision of land, tents and sheds, veterinary support and fodder shops across its market network.
Still, the mood in Lahore’s markets is far from the usual festive confidence. Buyers are hoping for a late price drop. Sellers are waiting for serious customers to return. And in between, the animals stand under the summer heat as bargaining continues.
For now, Lahore’s Eid cattle rush is alive in numbers — but not in sales.
