26 Cattle Markets Set Up Across Rawalpindi and Islamabad Ahead of Eidul Azha 2026

RAWALPINDI — The largest sacrificial animal market of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been formally set up at Bhatta Chowk, with its official inauguration scheduled for Sunday, May 10, as preparations for Eidul Azha gain momentum across the capital region. The arrival of small and large sacrificial animals has already begun at the market, while camels are expected to arrive next week as the festival approaches.

This year, a total of 26 cattle markets are being established across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including 10 in Islamabad district and 16 in Rawalpindi district, providing ample options for citizens to purchase sacrificial animals for the upcoming religious festival.

Market Locations Across the Twin Cities

The cattle markets are being set up by the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, Chaklala Cantonment Board, District Council, and Potohar Town authorities after approval of heavy taxes and fees. Key market locations include:

• Islamabad — Central cattle market in I-11, with additional markets in Bhara Kahu and nearby densely populated union councils
• Rawalpindi — Markets at Bhatta Chowk, IG Principal Road, Ghazni Road Bagh Sardaran, Marrir Chowk, Rawal Road, behind the High Court Rawalpindi Bench, Adiala Road, Seham, Chakri, Dhoke Syedan Chowk, Rawat, Chak Beli Khan Road, Kallar Syedan, Kahuta, Gujar Khan, and Taxila

Authorities confirmed that all markets would become fully operational next week, with peak activity expected from Sunday, May 17.

Market Infrastructure and Facilities

The Bhatta Chowk cattle market spans an impressive 25 acres, with 18 acres dedicated to livestock display and trading areas, and seven acres allocated for parking to accommodate the expected crowds. Officials have ensured that adequate parking arrangements have been made to facilitate smooth movement of buyers and sellers.

Stalls for fodder, animal decoration items, and roadside eateries have also begun operating at the market, creating a complete marketplace ecosystem for visitors. The market is expected to become fully functional and reach peak activity levels from mid-May onwards.

Entry Fees and Pricing

Authorities have fixed the following entry charges for animals entering the designated cattle markets:

• Large Animals — Entry fee of Rs3,000 for cows, buffaloes, camels, and bulls
• Small Animals — Entry fee of Rs2,000 for goats, sheep, and lambs
• Fines — Sale of sacrificial animals anywhere else in the city has been banned, with contractors authorised to impose a fine of Rs5,000 per animal on violators

Traders and citizens have noted that prices of sacrificial animals this year have reached extremely high levels, pushing them beyond the purchasing power of many members of the public. However, authorities have moved to regulate the market to ensure transparency and fair practices.

Market Contract and Long-Term Plan

The contract for the Bhatta Chowk market from 2026 to 2028 has been auctioned for a substantial Rs300 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the contract amount will increase by 10 per cent annually and will remain with a single contractor responsible for the market's comprehensive management throughout the three-year period.

After Eidul Azha, the market will continue to serve the community by allowing the sale of milk-producing cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and camels on designated days. Butchers will be able to purchase animals regularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the two days when meat sale remains suspended in the twin cities, ensuring a year-round livestock trading facility.

Year-Round Livestock Market

For the convenience of citizens and butchers, a year-round livestock market has also been approved at Bhatta Chowk, operating every Tuesday and Wednesday. Contractors have additionally sought permission to operate the market on Sundays to further expand access for buyers and sellers.

The establishment of these extensive cattle market facilities reflects the growing demand for organised, regulated livestock trading in the twin cities and aims to provide a convenient and transparent marketplace for citizens preparing for Eidul Azha celebrations.