As Eid al-Adha approaches, sacrificial animal prices across Pakistan have surged sharply, adding further pressure on families already struggling with rising inflation and increasing living costs. Buyers visiting cattle markets in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar are expressing concern over unusually high prices for goats, sheep, cows, and camels.

According to market traders, the price hikes are being driven by increased transportation expenses, expensive animal feed, fuel price hikes, and higher market charges. In several major cities, ordinary goats and sheep are being sold between Rs90,000 and Rs125,000, while premium breeds are reaching prices as high as Rs400,000.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, large sacrificial animals are reportedly starting from Rs400,000, with many middle-income families shifting toward collective sacrifice arrangements to reduce costs. Traders say transportation charges for livestock trailers have surged significantly this year, limiting the supply of animals in markets.

Despite lower buyer turnout in several cattle markets, sellers believe demand will rise closer to Eid. Experts also point out that Pakistan currently lacks an official pricing mechanism for sacrificial animals, leaving prices dependent on breed, weight, health, and market demand.