As Eid-ul-Adha 2025 approaches, Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in the sale of sacrificial animals. Compared to previous years, the market activity surrounding this religious festival has intensified, indicating both a strong demand and a shift in consumer behavior. Several factors—including inflation, a growing trend of collective sacrifice (ijtimaai qurbani), and the increasing role of digital platforms—are contributing to this notable uptick in sales.
Economic Pressures Yet Rising Demand
Despite the financial strain caused by ongoing inflation, many Pakistanis are still committed to fulfilling the religious obligation of Qurbani (sacrifice). Reports suggest that prices of animals have surged by 30 to 35 percent compared to last year, largely due to inflation, rising fodder costs, transportation expenses, and overall economic instability. For instance, an average goat that cost around PKR 40,000 last year is now priced upwards of PKR 55,000 to 60,000.
Yet, the rising costs have not deterred people. Instead, many are finding alternative ways to participate in the ritual, particularly through collective sacrifice. In urban centers such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, thousands are opting to join ijtimaai qurbani programs run by religious organizations, mosques, welfare trusts, and even private firms. These programs allow participants to share the cost of a cow or bull, making it a more economical and manageable option for many families.
Growth in Collective Sacrifice Initiatives
According to sources, this year has seen the highest number of animals being sold specifically for collective sacrifice. Charitable organizations and religious institutions have ramped up their efforts, purchasing sacrificial animals in bulk and offering packages to the public. These packages often include everything—from the animal's selection to its slaughter and meat distribution.
Notably, many institutions are leveraging the power of digital outreach to attract participants. Social media platforms, online donation portals, and mobile apps are being used to reach potential donors, especially overseas Pakistanis who prefer to make arrangements remotely. This seamless process has contributed to increased participation in Qurbani, particularly from the Pakistani diaspora in the Gulf, Europe, and North America.
Rise of Online and Digital Qurbani Platforms
Another major trend this year is the surge in online animal trading and digital Qurbani services. The COVID-19 pandemic first popularized this practice, but it has now become a permanent and growing fixture in Pakistan’s Eid economy. Websites, social media pages, and mobile apps dedicated to livestock sales are seeing record traffic. Buyers can now view pictures, videos, health details, and even negotiate prices virtually before having the animal delivered to their homes or directly to the slaughterhouse.
Platforms offering full-service digital Qurbani have also gained immense popularity. These services handle everything—from purchasing the animal to ensuring Shariah-compliant slaughter and delivering the meat to the buyer or to charitable causes. This trend caters particularly to tech-savvy younger generations, working professionals, and those living abroad.
Mandi (Livestock Market) Activity and Local Impact
Despite the online shift, traditional livestock markets (mandis) across the country are bustling with activity. In cities like Karachi's Sohrab Goth Mandi—South Asia’s largest animal market—thousands of animals are brought in from rural areas. Traders from interior Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan set up shop weeks ahead of Eid. These markets remain vital for those who prefer to personally inspect animals before purchase.
The economic impact on rural communities is also significant. Many farmers and livestock breeders depend on Eid-ul-Adha for the majority of their annual income. The increased sales and higher prices this year have provided them with much-needed financial relief, especially in the face of climate challenges and agricultural uncertainty.
Challenges and Concerns
While the increase in sales is a positive indicator for the economy and religious engagement, it also brings challenges. Animal welfare concerns, sanitary conditions in markets, and price gouging are common complaints. Many cities have issued strict regulations to manage these issues, including designated mandi zones, veterinary inspections, and price monitoring teams.
Environmental and public health advocates are also calling for better management of animal waste and proper disposal systems during and after Eid. With the rising number of sacrifices, authorities in major urban centers are gearing up with contingency plans to avoid unhygienic conditions.
Conclusion
The rise in sacrificial animal sales in 2025 reflects not just a religious zeal, but also the adaptability of Pakistani society to economic and technological shifts. From traditional markets to digital platforms and collective arrangements, the Qurbani ecosystem is evolving rapidly. While challenges remain, the continued commitment of millions of Pakistanis to this sacred ritual demonstrates the resilience of faith and community, even in the face of rising costs and changing lifestyles.
Reference: رواں برس قربانی کے جانوروں کی فروخت میں اضافہ
Comments
0 comment