With Eid-ul-Azha approaching fast, the buying of sacrificial animals has not gained momentum so far mainly on account of soaring prices and strict regulation of City District Government of not allowing the animals in the city, other than specified areas.
According to a survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Saturday, supply of sacrificial animals however, has taken some momentum and around a dozen places where these animals were previous years, turn out of animals from various parts of the country has been witnessed.
At present, those dealing with the supply of sacrificial animals stated that around 50,000 animals could be gauged to be available in the local temporary market of sacrificial animals.
However, seeing the deficiency in the purchasing capacity of people in general, how customers respond, is a big if.
In general response Haji Abdul Latif Qureshi, a citizen of Gulshan Ravi who was present in Bakar Mandi to purchase sacrificial goat complained that presently the prices were touching unjustified heights.
The sellers when questioned about the high prices of sacrificial animals stated that the sacrificial goat weighing 20-kg that were available in the market at the rate of Rs 5,000 to 7,000, has now increased to Rs 8,000 to 10,000.
Cheemah Qasai, a butcher from Mozang area, commenting on high prices of sacrificial animals, hoped that the prices of animals were likely to come down before Eid. This will eventually result in increase in sale of animals, he added.
Riaz, another butcher from Qainchi area said that as soon as people set their minds for purchase of animals, the sale of animals would gain momentum. About hike in animal prices, he said it has become a routine like other items.
Keeping in view the high prices of sacrificial goats, a large number of people prefer to opt collective sacrifice of animal.
The share in the collective sacrifice of animals is Rs 2200 to 2500 per person.
During a visit to various designated areas set up by City Government for sale of animals, it has been revealed that inflated prices of sacrificial animals are keeping the buyers away from the purchase.
Although, most of the buyers showed a keen interest in buying the animals, which were available in abundance in the market, but many could not afford a sacrificial animal owing to their limited budget.
Only a few buyers were seen examining the animals and negotiating prices with the dealers and many indulged in heated arguments over the price.
The Lahore City Government has designated as many as 25 spots in its six towns for the sale of sacrificial animals.
However, a few sellers have been seen selling animals other than the designated places.
Commenting on high prices of sacrificial animals, a number of people stated that the provincial government particularly district governments must also intervene to check higher prices being charged by the owners of animals during Eid days. They asked the government to play its role in creating a situation where religious rituals are done with easiness by followers of Islam.
According to a study conducted by Business Recorder on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, million of rupees would be generated through sale of sacrificial animals' hides.
In this connection, the race is set to start between various charitable organisations and trusts for collection of hides of animals.
It is a common practice among the charitable organisations including religious groups to collect hides and sell them to leather traders for a hefty amount. Banners of various charitable organisations are displayed in the city, urging the citizens to donate hides.
The competition is so intense that they are using all sources of media to attract donators, they are even knocking the doors of people and praying them to donate hides.
In this regard, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Trust Hospital, Al-Khidmat Foundation of Jaamat-e-Islami, Edhi Foundation, Sahara Trust and various other local organisations are going to set up its stalls in various areas of the provincial metropolis for collection of hides during Eid.
Moreover, the Lahore City Government will chalk out an elaborate programme for keeping the city neat and clean during the Eid holidays.
The solid waste department of the City Government has been assigned the special task of disposing off offal, intestines and other waste of sacrificial animals. In this regard, 300,000 polythene bags have been distributed to the Union Councils, for onward distribution among its respective residents.
When Dr Sheharyar Bhatti, Secretary General of Pakistan Society of Family Physicians contacted, he advised the people to abstain from taking meat in large quantity on the occasion of Eid.
This was necessary to avoid stomach related diseases occurrence. He also advised the people that meat should be cooked after six hours of slaughtering. Patients with history of high blood pressure and liver complaints should not eat the meat, he asserted.
Comments
Comments are closed.