In 2024 during the celebration of Eid-ul-Azha in Pakistan there was the sacrifice of more than 6 million animals worth around Rs500 billion during the three-day Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. This is according to estimates by Pakistani tanners’ association. Eid-ul-Azha is undoubtedly the one religious festival that is eagerly awaited by all ages for different reasons and also plays an important role in the economy of the country. According to estimates, a total of 50 million animals are sacrificed globally during the three days of Eid-ul-Azha.
So what are the interests of different age groups in Pakistan in these three days of religious festivities. For the children, and specially the teenage children who in ordinary life have no interaction with animals except for those who have dogs or cats as pets, it is quite an adventure to have goats, cows, and even camels in their backyards, lawns, and other available spaces. Coming home from school is an altogether different experience now as they know there are animals around to play with, feed, pat and otherwise engage with to their heart’s content. In most cases the favourite interaction is feeding as somehow the children believe that the animal just needs to be fed 24/7 and has no other desire. In the evenings the more daring take the animals out for a walk and that is the time that proud comparisons are made and everyone tries to prove that their animal is somehow superior to the others. In some areas even races are held in which animals willingly or unwillingly race against other animals but some much to the disappointment of their owners refuse to budge and thus embarrass their owners.
Another important party in this scene and really the most important party is the housewife whose main concern is that the animals do not mess up the courtyard or any other place where it is temporarily housed. Actually, her main interest is not in the days leading to Eid-ul-Azha, but after the sacrifice is made. Already, while the animal was around she has been planning which part of the animal will suit which dish and for that to be exact what instructions to give to the butcher so perfect pieces are delivered for planned dishes. In many households, females actually supervise the sacrifice and ensure that meat is cut properly and in line with their Eid dinner menu and plans to freeze and preserve it for the future.
By the way, the housewife is not the only one interested in a proper sacrifice where meat is cut properly. In one year, according to data by Pakistan Tanners Association, the value of hides was estimated at Rs.8.4 billion, but nearly 40 percent of the hides were wasted due to hot weather and improper handling. Those carrying out this sacrifice are advised to look at the broader picture as their duty does not end with the sacrifice, but they should ensure that all parts of the animal are put to good use and no part is wasted. Hides from sacrificial animals play a pivotal role for the leather industry of Pakistan so while sacrifice is a religious obligation it also sustains an industry that provides jobs to many and the effects of this Eid carry on throughout the year.
The most important character on Eid-ul-Azha is of course mostly the head of the household whose contribution starts with selecting and buying the animal which in many cases is in itself an arduous task: transporting the animal back and ensuring it is well looked after and of course finding a proper butcher on Eid day. I say ‘proper butcher’ because on Eid day people from other professions also turn out, pretending to be butchers but really messing up your sacrifice. It is pitiful to watch them struggle with even the sacrifice of a goat and messing up while trying to remove the hide or extract important parts. One way to spot such an imposter is to look closely at his instruments. If they are shiny and new you can immediately guess that they have been bought just for this Eid, and he has other preoccupations which necessarily has nothing to do with sacrifice at Eid-ul-Azha.
Eid-ul-Azha is just around the corner and soon the city will be ringing with the bleating of animals. This year those thinking of sacrifice can also go the digital way as now this facility is available, and you can practically buy an animal online.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
The writer is a well-known columnist