Karachi livestock market welcomes over 65,000 sacrificial animals

The newly established “Awaam Dost” livestock market on the Northern Bypass in Karachi has become fully operational since 5 April, as preparations for Eid-ul-Adha fuel a sharp rise in trading activity across the city.

According to market officials, more than 65,000 small and large animals have already been brought in from across Pakistan. A large number of buyers are visiting the site daily in search of suitable sacrificial animals, with trading activity reported to be particularly brisk in the main sections of the market.

Market administrator Tariq Tanoli said veterinary teams from across the country are stationed at the marshalling area, where each animal is undergoing a full medical inspection. Only healthy animals are being permitted entry into the market.

The sprawling facility has been divided into several designated zones, including VIP, Golden, Sapphire, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Mountain blocks. However, the General Block remains the most popular among visitors, where active bargaining between buyers and traders continues.

Contractor Sarfraz said a large-scale hydrant system with a storage capacity of 10 million gallons has been installed to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

In addition, more than two dozen water tankers are operating around the clock across different sections of the market.

Administration in-charge Aslam Baloch confirmed that heavy generators have been installed to prevent power disruptions, while temporary mobile phone towers have also been set up to maintain connectivity for traders and customers.

District in-charge Rao Faisal said food stalls offering a range of local cuisine, including nihari, karahi, sajji and fast food, have been introduced to enhance visitor experience.

Facilities including public toilets, veterinary camps and temporary mosques have been established across all blocks. The administration also plans to install additional ATM machines in the coming days to facilitate visitors.

According to contractor Adnan, approximately 200 acres have been allocated for vehicle parking, with an online pass system currently in operation.

Security has been tightened with a heavy police presence deployed at entry and exit points as well as within the market, ensuring visitors can attend the site day and night without concern.