by Ahmed Raza
ISLAMABAD, May 19 (Xinhua) -- As the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha approaches, a colossal livestock market has sprung to life on the dusty outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and financial hub in southern Sindh province.
Spanning over 1,000 acres near the Northern Bypass, it is one of the largest cattle bazaars in Asia, functioning as a temporary city within a city.
What begins as an empty stretch of land quickly evolves into a vibrant economic ecosystem, pulsing with livestock, traders, technology, and tradition. For local herders and buyers alike, this market is more than a trading ground: it is a living exhibition of rural livelihood, cultural pride, and increasingly modernized commerce.
Eid al-Adha, or the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the holiest events in the Islamic calendar. In Pakistan, where over 95 percent of the population adheres to Islam, families traditionally purchase sacrificial animals, goats, cows, bulls, or camels, for slaughter. The meat is then distributed among the poor, relatives, and neighbors.
For traders from the country's agrarian heartlands, this market is an annual lifeline. Noor Zada Balkani, a livestock dealer from Kandhkot in southern Sindh, has traveled over 600 km with 37 animals. He has already sold 10, each fetching between 500,000 and 1 million Pakistani Rupees (approximately 1,750 to 3,500 U.S. dollars).
Each trader's journey reflects a hopeful trek from rural hardship to urban opportunity. Saif from Multan district in eastern Punjab brought 65 animals despite road closures and a long, exhausting journey. "The reward here is unmatched," he said.
For many herders, the earnings are vital for the entire year. The income supports household expenses, agricultural input purchases, repayment of loans, home repairs, and children's education. In areas where access to formal banking is limited, the market acts as a key source of liquidity, sustaining entire families and boosting local economies.
Traders arrive from across the country, from the lush fields of Punjab to the arid expanses of the Cholistan Desert. Animals are transported by truck, trailer, and even on foot, bringing rural Pakistan to Karachi's doorstep.
The market is organized into culturally themed zones -- Sindh Block, Punjab Block, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Block -- and others, each showcasing animals and traditions specific to its region.
Decorated livestock are a common sight, adorned with colorful accessories that reflect centuries-old rearing customs. Prices range from modest goats at 40,000 Pakistani Rupees (140 dollars) to prized bulls worth up to 10 million Pakistani Rupees (35,000 dollars). Camels, some weighing over 1,200 kg and priced between 500,000 to 1.5 million Pakistani Rupees (1,750-5,300 dollars), arrive with intricate henna designs etched into their fur -- a popular attraction.
Technology is increasingly reshaping the way livestock is marketed and sold. Mohammad Hafeez, 28, from Karachi's Nazimabad area, uses WhatsApp and Facebook to promote his bulls. "I sold two animals through video calls," he said. "The buyer paid digitally and sent a truck for pickup."
Umair, 32, from Hyderabad, offers virtual consultations, QR code payment options, and even home delivery. "People want convenience," he said.
According to Shahab Ali, administrator of the cattle market, more than 700,000 animals are expected this year. In 2024, over 600,000 animals were sold, generating 8 to 9 billion Pakistani Rupees (28 to 32 million dollars) in trade -- a record that underscores the market's economic importance.
When asked whether recent tensions between Pakistan and India had impacted trade, Shahab dismissed the concern. "The market is as vibrant as ever," he said. "Domestic demand and rural participation remain strong."
For many people in Karachi, a trip to the Northern Bypass cattle market is now an annual pilgrimage. "It's far, but where else would you find such variety?" said Zahid, a buyer searching for a Cholistani calf. "But yes, prices are steep. Inflation has changed everything."
Despite high inflation and soaring transport costs, tens of thousands continue to flock to the market. "This isn't just a purchase -- it's a religious obligation," said Fahad, a buyer from central Karachi. "We save all year for this sacrifice."
Beyond livestock, a thriving short-term gig economy blooms. Tea stalls, food vendors, tent installers, electricians, animal decorators, and barbers all find temporary but vital employment.
Though the market disappears within 40 days, its cultural and economic impact resonates long after. It fuels rural livelihoods, supports national industries, and bridges the divide between pastoral heritage and urban consumerism. Enditem
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