Eid-ul-Adha Brings High Hopes but Higher Prices: Soaring Animal Costs Leave Buyers Disheartened in Nokundi

Nokundi:With Eid-ul-Adha just around the corner, livestock markets have sprung up across the country, including in Nokundi. However, the mood in the local *Bakra Mandi* is anything but festive, as soaring prices of sacrificial animals have left buyers visibly disappointed and worried.

A visit to Nokundi’s animal market reveals that even a medium-sized goat or sheep now starts at Rs. 40,000, with prices going as high as Rs. 65,000 or more. Larger animals have crossed the Rs. 100,000 mark, putting them out of reach for most families. Many locals expressed concern that fulfilling the religious obligation of Qurbani is becoming increasingly unattainable.

Buyers say that this year, *Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi* feels like a dream rather than a reality. “We visit the market every day, but the prices are simply beyond our reach,” said a resident. Despite the bustling crowds, most people leave the market empty-handed. Children and elderly visitors still enjoy looking at the animals, but few are able to make a purchase.

On the other hand, livestock sellers are also voicing their frustrations. They claim that rising costs of fodder, vaccines, transportation, and other expenses have forced them to raise prices. “We’re not making much profit,” said a vendor. “Inflation has made this business nearly unsustainable.”

As the number of unsold animals increases and public frustration grows, many are calling on the government to intervene. Citizens have urged authorities to regulate livestock prices and introduce subsidies or sacrificial schemes, especially for the underprivileged, so that no Muslim is deprived of performing Qurbani due to financial hardship.