As Eid ul Adha approaches, the prices of sacrificial animals have gone up sharply, rising by 50 to 70% in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. This sudden hike has left many buyers upset and worried, especially those from middle-income households.
Traders explain that the increase in prices is due to higher costs of animal feed, transport, and other market expenses. On the other hand, buyers feel that the government should regulate prices to make animals more affordable.
Compared to last year, prices have nearly doubled. For example, heifers that used to cost less than Rs100,000 are now being sold for over Rs200,000. Goats and sheep are also far more expensive, and in some cases, prices have reached the millions. A few camels have been seen priced at around Rs2 million, making them out of reach for most people.
This situation has made it difficult for many families to buy sacrificial animals this year. With rising inflation already affecting everyday life, the added burden of high animal prices is making Eid preparations stressful for many.
Buyers are calling for some kind of official price check or support, so that more people can take part in the religious tradition without financial strain. For now, however, most families are either searching for affordable options or considering sharing larger animals with others.
The rising prices are a reminder of how inflation is affecting even religious celebrations and adding pressure on already stretched household budgets.
