A large number of Karachiites flocked to the Northern Bypass Cattle Market on Sunday, turning the bustling place into a recreational hotspot.
With Eidul Azha approaching, the influx of sacrificial animals from across the country has gained momentum. Thousands of cows, bulls, calves, heifers, goats and camels are becoming the main attraction of the market.
The animals transported from various cities of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan are being settled in specially designated zones named VIP, VVIP, Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Kashmir blocks, where buyers and spectators alike are gathering in large numbers. The cities of Sindh from where animals have been coming include Nawabshah, Kandiaro, Halani, Kandhkot, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Qazi Ahmed and Khairpur, and the cities of Punjab include Sheikhupura, Multan, Vehari, Sheikhwahan.
Beautiful animals of different colours and breeds have also reached the cattle market from different farms of Karachi. Trader Aleem Abro from the Lehri area of Balochistan brought 21 sacrificial animals while livestock trader Zeeshan from Kandiaro arrived with 27 pink breed animals. Another Trader Tariq Memon from Nawabshah brought 37 animals of Punjabi breed and trader Munawar Ali from Naushahro Feroze brought give trucks loaded with sacrificial animals to the Northern Bypass Cattle Market.
Cattle Market Administrator Shahab Ali told the media that Karachiites would see a new style of the Cattle Market this time. Karachi's famous food chains would adorn the Cow Mandi food street where only families would be allowed, he said, adding that the parking fee had been reduced by 50 per cent and the citizens could get a monthly pass for Rs3,200 for a car and Rs1,500 for a motorcycle. Thirty litres of water was being provided free to each animal daily, he said.