Latest news with #LivestockDepartment
Business Recorder
07-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Eidul Azha: CM orders foolproof security arrangements
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the implementation of foolproof security measures across the province in view of Eidul Azha. The CM also issued a comprehensive set of instructions to ensure smooth traffic flow, public safety, and strict monitoring of transport fares and cattle markets. The CM directed the authorities concerned to enhance security arrangements in and around cattle markets, which were expected to see heavy public presence during the Eid season. The CM emphasized that security at all cattle markets must be tightened, particularly in major cities like Lahore and Multan, to safeguard citizens and prevent any untoward incidents. The CM Maryam directed that traffic monitoring be carried out round-the-clock in Lahore and other urban centers to manage congestion caused by Eid-related activities. Instructions were issued to improve traffic flow around cattle markets in key cities and to deploy traffic personnel where needed. To ensure fair treatment of the public during the festive season, the CM also ordered strict enforcement of officially approved transport fares across Punjab. She directed that fare charts and fitness certificates be visibly displayed on bus windshields. She warned that overcharging the passengers would not be tolerated. Transporters found violating fare regulations would face legal action and commuters charged extra must be refunded on the spot. The CM directed the Livestock Department officials to remain present at cattle markets, to monitor animal health, ensure availability of veterinary services and assist the public in purchasing healthy animals. She directed senior administrative and police officers to remain in the field during the Eid holidays, ensuring timely response and on-ground supervision of all arrangements. She called for continuous monitoring of the situation at the provincial, divisional, district and tehsil levels. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cattle traders draw public rage
With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, cattle markets across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) are bustling with activity. However, the exorbitant prices and absence of proper health measures in these markets has raised concerns among buyers and animal health experts alike. Peshawar's district administration has officially designated two major cattle markets for the festive season, with one on the Ring Road and the other in Lala Kalay. These markets draw livestock from across the country, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and various other regions of Punjab. However, traders bringing in animals sell them at significantly high prices, often without regulatory oversight. Muhammad Haroon Khan, a resident of Peshawar who visited the Ring Road market to purchase a sacrificial animal, told The Express Tribune that livestock prices have skyrocketed over the past one year. "A regular-sized animal that would cost around Rs2 to 3 lakhs last year is now priced between Rs3 to 5 lakhs. Even smaller animals like sheep and goats are selling for Rs1 to 5 lakhs each. The administration charges Rs1,500 per animal from the traders, yet provides no veterinary check-ups or relief for the public. There are no veterinarians on-site to assess the animals' health," claimed Khan. Naeemullah Khan, another visitor from Peshawar, echoed similar concerns. "There is no price regulation. Each seller demands whatever price they want, with some asking up to Rs10 lakh for a small animal. The government should implement a check and balance system. The Livestock Department has resources, but where is their performance? If the department were to invest in developing local livestock farms and supporting dairy farming within the province, it would not only create employment but also ensure affordable animals are available for Eid each year. This would also boost the provincial economy," noted Naemullah. On the other side of the rift are the livestock traders. Ramzan Ali, a cattle trader, who brought animals from Multan to Peshawar, defended the high prices. "There's a narrative in the media that traders are exploiting buyers, but the reality is different. We ourselves have purchased these animals at very high prices. We are not in the business for losses; we only seek fair profit. Rising operational costs including fuel prices, transport expenses, and labour charges have all gone up. If the government can reduce fuel costs or standardize transport fares, the prices of animals will naturally decrease," explained Ali. When approached for a comment, a senior official from the Livestock Department, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that the department had taken steps to ensure animal welfare in the markets. "We have assigned a veterinary doctor and a disinfection spray team to each market. If an animal is found sick, free medicines are provided. Banners with hygiene guidelines have been placed around the cattle markets, and public awareness campaigns are underway to educate people on preventing the spread of diseases, including the potentially fatal Congo virus. So far, no cases have been reported in K-P this season, but we are actively working to raise awareness and keep the public informed," said the official, who maintained that despite limited resources, the Livestock Department was striving to provide as many services as possible. As the countdown to Eid-ul-Adha continues, citizens remain hopeful that better regulation and government oversight will make the festive sacrifice more accessible and safer for everyone.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Quack vets thrive during Eid season
With Eid-ul-Adha just around the corner, a large influx of sacrificial animals is arriving in markets across the port city — yet no arrangements have been made to examine their health, leaving ample room for quacks posing as vets to mishandle their ailments. Every year, quack veterinary clinics are set up across different areas of the city for treating sick sacrificial animals. With no system for diagnosing animal diseases, sick animals are treated on the basis of their symptoms and are administered unnecessary antibiotic injections without proper testing which not only puts their own life at risk but also imperils the health of the people consuming their meat. Furthermore, Karachi is simultaneously facing a shortage of veterinary doctors ahead of the religious festival. According to Director Veterinary Livestock Dr Hizbullah Bhutto, every year on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, illegal quack clinics with no certified veterinarians start treating sacrificial animals. "Due to the large-scale movement of animals from one province to another, the possibility of an outbreak is obvious. Only 990 veterinary doctors are available across the province while so far 1.5 to 1.7 million sacrificial animals have been brought to Karachi alone," revealed Dr Bhutto. Veterinary expert, Dr Irshad Abbasi confirmed the operation of quack vet clinics across Sindh before Eid- ul-Adha. "The common man is unaware that these clinics do not have a certified veterinary doctor. It has been observed that the same type of cheap antibiotic is administered to all animals, which can be lethal. In the current season, diseases including foot and mouth disease are common among animals," explained Dr Abbasi. Reportedly, this year, quack clinics are charging a fee of Rs1,000 for checking an animal. However, no institution, including the Livestock Department, has been able to verify these clinics. Moreover, there is no mechanism for registering and identifying animals brought into livestock markets, which are neither vaccinated nor given healthy feed. "Animals brought on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha are not vaccinated since they are only present temporarily. Taking action against quacks is the responsibility of the district administration while the registration of animals brought into Karachi is the responsibility of the municipal administration, which collects a tax of Rs600. The Livestock Department is tasked with checking sick animals upon receiving information," confirmed Dr Bhutto, who further added that 10 camps had been set up at the border of Punjab and Balochistan for animal check-ups. On the other hand, Dr Abbasi felt that buyers too should play a proactive role in assessing the health of the animal they intended to purchase. "The purchase of sacrificial animals should be done in daylight so that the hooves and mouth of the animal can be checked. Furthermore, the animal should also be examined for signs of lethargy and swelling. Moreover, people visiting the cattle market should wear light-coloured, full-sleeved clothes to protect against insects attached to the animal's body," advised Dr Abbasi. Speaking of the role of citizens, on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha it is often seen that people slaughtering animals on the streets fail to clean the place afterwards due to which various bacteria grow rapidly in the blood left clotting on the ground. Later on, the stench emanating from the animal carcasses further contaminates Karachi's already polluted air. Spokesperson to the Commissioner of Karachi, Ghulam Muhammad Khan claimed that strict action will be taken against quack clinics set up for checking sacrificial animals. "The public should report these quack clinics by contacting the Commissioner's Office."
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Congo virus screening begins in cattle markets
The Livestock Department has decided to set up veterinary health camps at all 12 livestock markets operating in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the detection and prevention of the Congo virus during the upcoming Eidul Azha season. These camps will be staffed with veterinary doctors and support personnel. The deployment of veterinary teams will begin from May 25 at the main cattle market in Bhatta Chowk. The teams will examine all types of sacrificial animalscamels, cows, calves, bulls, sheep, and goats. Weak, malnourished, or sick animals will be removed from the markets and barred from being sold. In addition to health screenings, the veterinary staff will provide on-site treatment for animals that fall ill due to heat or other conditions while at the markets. The department has already started forming dedicated medical teams for this purpose. Livestock officers will personally inspect all animals brought into the markets. Any animal showing signs of diseaseincluding ticks or symptoms of Congo viruswill not be allowed to be sold. Buyers can also request a health certificate for animals they purchase, confirming the animal's good health. Strict action will be taken against vendors attempting to sell sick or undernourished animals despite warnings. According to Director of Agriculture Shahid Iftikhar, the department is establishing health stalls across all markets in the district. The sale of any sick or Congo virus-infected animals is strictly prohibited. The main cattle market at Bhatta Chowk has now been formally inaugurated, and the arrival of animals has begun, although only in limited numbers. More animals are expected to arrive in the coming 8 to 10 days. Public turnout at the markets is also gradually increasing.
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Bhatta Chowk cattle market opens today
The main cattle market for sacrificial animals at Bhatta Chowk, serving the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, officially opens Friday (today). Situated at the confluence of the two cities, the market has already received two trailers filled with sacrificial animals. Entry fees have been set at Rs3,000 for large animals and Rs2,000 for smaller ones. From Sunday, May 18 onwards, more trailers and trucks carrying livestock are expected to arrive, marking the beginning of the market's peak activity and the formal start of buying and selling. Space allotments for livestock traders have begun, and preparations are underway for fodder stalls, animal grooming services, temporary eateries, tea stalls, and beverage vendors. A sizable area next to the market has been designated for parking vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers. Temporary electricity and water connections for stalls and animal enclosures have also been made available. Water for drinking and bathing the animals will be sold at Rs3,000 per tanker. Tents and shades have started arriving in large numbers to provide shelter, and installation will begin today. Though the number of animals is still limited, the market is now officially open to the public. Weighing stations are being set up where animals will be sold based on weight, with prices aligned with the local meat market rates. In addition, various organisations, NGOs, and religious groups have launched online Qurbani services. Customers can now book their share of a sacrificial animal online. A share in a large animal such as a cow or bull is priced at Rs40,000 for approximately 1516 kg of meat, and Rs38,000 for 14 kg. A small animal costing Rs70,000 yields around 15-16 kg of meat. While Bhata Cattle Market begins operations today, it is expected to see a major influx of buyers closer to payday. To mark the opening, traditional drum performances have been arranged, and the event is open to all, including citizens and butchers. Following today's inauguration, additional livestock markets in Chungi No 22, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, Dhok Syedan, High Court back area, and Rawat will also become operational by Sunday. Traders from all over the country will bring sacrificial animals for sale in these markets. The business activities at these markets will also benefit various stakeholders, including government departments, transporters, service stations, hotels, and fodder sellers. The animals brought for sale in these markets will be examined by a team of doctors and support staff from the Livestock Department to ensure they are healthy and fit for sale. Sick animals will not be allowed to be sold in the markets.
