With the arrival of Eid al-Adha 2026, livestock markets across Pakistan have once again become centres of intense activity. While an extraordinary influx of buyers is being witnessed, the sharp rise in sacrificial animal prices has also become a major public concern.
Meanwhile, authorities in Karachi have granted permission for the establishment of new cattle markets to facilitate citizens.
Overall Situation: Increasing Crowds and Rising Prices
Major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar are witnessing thousands of people visiting livestock markets daily to purchase sacrificial animals. Crowds remain consistent from morning until late at night, while rising prices are causing concern among ordinary citizens.
Factors such as inflation, increasing fuel prices, higher fodder costs, and expensive transportation have collectively driven animal prices upward, making the overall cost of sacrifice significantly higher compared to previous years.
Expected Price Ranges
Goat: Rs60,000 to Rs250,000
Cow: Rs200,000 to Rs700,000
Bull: Rs300,000 to Rs1 million
Camel: Above Rs400,000
Prices largely depend on the animal’s weight, breed, health, size, and demand within a particular city.
Growing Crowds in Livestock Markets
Livestock markets are witnessing heavy footfall from morning until night, with many buyers preferring to shop during the evening hours in hopes of finding better options and more reasonable prices.
Meanwhile, traders are transporting animals from rural areas and various cities for sale. Videos of attractive and healthy animals are also going viral on social media, further increasing public interest and excitement surrounding the markets.
Reasons Behind Rising Animal Prices
Overall inflation
Increase in fodder prices
Rising petrol and diesel costs
Higher transportation expenses
Increased cost of raising livestock
Growing demand as Eid approaches
According to traders, preparing healthy sacrificial animals has become far more expensive than in previous years.
Pakistan’s Well-Known Livestock Markets
Some of the country’s most prominent livestock markets include:
Super Highway Cattle Market, Karachi
Shahpur Kanjran Market, Lahore
Multan Livestock Market, Multan
Faisalabad Livestock Market, Faisalabad
Rawalpindi Livestock Market, Rawalpindi
Peshawar Livestock Market, Peshawar
These markets are currently attracting thousands of visitors every day.
Public Response
A large section of the public believes that purchasing sacrificial animals this year has become significantly more expensive compared to previous years.
The middle class, in particular, appears to be the most affected by the situation, resulting in a growing trend towards collective sacrifice.
Some buyers prefer to wait until the final days before Eid in the hope of lower prices, while others are increasingly turning to online Qurbani services for convenience.
