Livestock Markets Established Across Cities for Eid-ul-Azha

ISLAMABAD – The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) has imposed a ban on the entry of vehicles loaded with sacrificial animals onto motorways, according to an official statement released on Sunday. The initiative aims to ensure the safety, security, and convenience of commuters travelling during the Eid-ul-Azha season.

Authorities stated the ban was necessary as overloaded, unfit, and improperly loaded vehicles often lead to traffic congestion and serious road accidents. The NHMP highlighted that several vehicles transporting animals have been involved in severe accidents in the past, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

To enforce the measure, such vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes. The motorway police have also requested provincial police in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to establish checkposts near motorway entry points and cattle markets to ensure effective implementation of the ban.

The directive comes as large livestock markets have been established in major cities, including Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, and Islamabad. While traders have brought a wide variety of sacrificial animals to these markets, buyer turnout is reportedly still picking up as many potential buyers voice concerns over high prices this year.

The timing of the ban coincides with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s meeting for the Zilhajj moon sighting. Eid-ul-Azha is widely expected to be celebrated on May 27, according to a forecast from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.