Amid soaring prices of sacrificial animals, many people are turning to collective Qurbani rituals rather than individual sacrifices this Eid ul Azha. This shift reflects the economic challenges faced by citizens and the increasing costs associated with sacrificial animals.
Increasing Popularity of Collective Qurbani
The trend of collective Qurbani, or ‘Ijtamai Qurbani,’ has gained significant traction across Pakistan. Residents in various localities are organizing combined sacrifices with the support of religious and social organizations, including local madrassas and mosques. Many people are also pooling resources with relatives and friends to partake in this tradition.
“It is better to take part in the collective Qurbani arranged by a nearby madrassa or mosque during these hard times of inflation. We will do so because we will have to spend only Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 for a share, which is affordable,” said a resident, Majeed.
Economic Factors Influencing the Trend
The prevailing economic crunch and limited incomes have significantly influenced the shift towards collective sacrifices. Nadeem, another citizen, noted that the steady increase in animal prices over recent years has made individual sacrifices less feasible for many families.
The cost of sacrificial animals has seen a substantial rise due to increased transportation charges and other associated expenses. For instance:
- The price of bulls has risen from Rs 70,000 to Rs 150,000 per animal compared to last year.
- A category bulls now cost between Rs 200,000 and Rs 300,000, while B category bulls are priced between Rs 100,000 and Rs 150,000.
- C category bulls have surged from Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000.
- The price of goats and sheep has also increased by up to 50 percent, with A category animals priced between Rs 40,000 and Rs 60,000, B category between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000, and C category from Rs 25,000 and above.
Measures Taken by Authorities
In preparation for Eid ul Azha, the Rawalpindi district administration has established temporary cattle markets at 11 locations. These include:
- Five markets in Rawalpindi city.
- Two each in Gujjar Khan and Taxila.
- One each in Kallar Syedan and Kahuta.
Assistant Commissioners and Chief Officers of Municipal Corporations are overseeing these markets. The administration has prohibited the establishment of animal markets within city areas to maintain cleanliness. Special teams are enforcing these regulations, imposing fines, and confiscating animals from unauthorized markets.
Health and Safety Precautions
To prevent the spread of the Congo virus and other diseases, the Livestock and Health Department has set up special camps at city entry points, cattle markets, and sale points. Precautionary measures include spraying all sale points and cattle markets and treating animals showing signs of illness. This effort aims to protect citizens and ensure a healthy environment during the festivities.
As Eid ul Azha approaches, the sale of sacrificial animals is gaining momentum, with citizens and authorities working together to navigate the economic and health challenges associated with the tradition.
Afsheen Gohar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
