RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi divisional administration has approved eight designated cattle markets across the district ahead of Eidul Azha, while imposing a strict ban on animal sales along roads and in unauthorized locations.

In a move to ensure hygiene and safety, only certified healthy animals will be allowed for sale.

The sale of sick or weak animals has been outlawed, and vendors found violating the directive will face legal action and confiscation of livestock.

Traders from South Punjab have complained about excessive entry fees being forcibly collected at the main Bhata Chowk market. According to traders, contractors are charging Rs7,000 per large animal instead of the official Rs3,000, and Rs6,000 per small animal instead of Rs2,000.

Despite the high transportation costs from 600 kilometres away, sellers say they are left with no option but to comply, pushing up the overall cost of sacrificial animals.

Contractor representatives responded by saying they are recovering the costs of winning a high-value contract.

Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak has also ordered that all cattle markets must be equipped with disinfectants, regular spraying, and fire brigade presence for emergencies. Traffic police have been directed to implement traffic management plans around the markets.

According to official circulars, three cattle markets have been set up in Tehsil Rawalpindi: the main Bhata Chowk market in Rawalpindi Cantt, another near Koh-e-Noor Mill, and one in Mouza Ranyal near Fatima Jinnah University Campus on Chakri Road.

Additional markets will operate at Kallar Syedan Road, near Mankiala Bridge, Gulyana Road, near the slaughterhouse in Tehsil Gujar Khan, Sharif Hospital Stop, GT Road, and Timber Market Road in Tehsil Taxila, Mangal Bypass in Tehsil Kallar Syedan, and Chan Shah Jaliar, Tangi Road in Tehsil Kahuta.

Commissioner Khattak has instructed all concerned authorities to ensure proper sanitation, facilities, and traffic control in all markets.