Illegal Fees and Lack of Facilities Plague Hub Cattle Market, Buyers Turn to Karachi Instead

Hub:The Hub cattle market is facing strong criticism from both traders and buyers due to poor facilities and alleged extortion in the name of entry and agriculture department taxes. Livestock traders have begun shifting to Karachi’s cattle markets, citing harassment and unjustified charges at the Hub market.

Reports reveal that buyers coming from Karachi, hoping to find affordable sacrificial animals in Hub, are being forced to pay an exorbitant **Rs. 2,000 per animal** as “market fee.” Many buyers have expressed outrage, stating that they come to Hub to escape the high prices in Karachi—only to encounter a different kind of exploitation.

One frustrated buyer shared his experience: “We think we’ll save some money by coming to Hub, but here we’re slapped with an unjust fee of Rs. 2,000 per animal. This is nothing but daylight robbery.”

Additionally, the market lacks basic amenities such as proper sanitation, water supply, and shade, making the experience even more difficult for both livestock and visitors. Traders also complain that the so-called taxes are being collected forcefully without official receipts, labeling it as open extortion under the guise of regulation.

Local citizens and traders have called upon the **Deputy Commissioner of Hub** to take immediate action. They warn that if these unauthorized charges are not abolished, buyers will avoid Hub entirely, leading to a deserted market and economic losses for local livestock traders.

The growing discontent threatens to undermine the viability of the Hub cattle market ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, a peak season for livestock trade.