ISLAMABAD  – The trend of collective sacrifice `Ijtamai Qurbani’ of animals on Eid-ul-Azha is becoming popular in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as the prices of sacrificial animals have risen considerably in the wake of floods.
Several local organisations have announced packages for collective sacrifices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. They also displayed banners for attracting the people to join collective sacrifice of animals.
Many people said that the prices of sacrificial animals are much higher as compared to last year. In a package for cost-sharing sacrifice of a cow offered by various organisations, one could easily contribute a sum of Rs 7,000 to Rs 7500.
Shoppers at 1-11/4 cattle market said that sellers are demanding high prices for the animals because they have a lot of time to wait for the customers ready to pay their desired prices.
Animal traders expressed the hope that sales will gain momentum in coming days, as the twin cities dwellers, which have difficulties in keeping the animals in their yards, will start visiting the markets.
“Maximum number of animals are expected to be sold on day before Eid-ul-Azha as usual, they said.
A large number of animals, particularly cow and goats, have arrived in the twin cities and at present, the sale prices start from Rs 16,000.
The price of A category goat and sheep has increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. Prices of B category have increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 and C category to Rs 15,000 and above.