Islamabad has auctioned six temporary cattle markets for sacrificial animals for a record Rs349.5 million, and officials say a cashless payment system will be implemented at all sites to streamline transactions and improve accountability. The move aims to ensure orderly markets while maintaining public health and city cleanliness.
The highest bid was for the Sector I-12 site at Rs200.1 million, followed by the Sangjani location at Rs62.5 million. The Zia mosque area fetched Rs50 million, the Sultana Foundation site was auctioned at Rs25 million, Japan Road at Rs6.2 million and Bahrakahu at Rs6.1 million, bringing the total across all temporary cattle markets to Rs349.5 million.
Officials reported strong participation in the auction process, with 104 bidders taking part. Authorities also noted this year’s receipts represent roughly a 120 percent increase compared with last year’s temporary cattle markets auction, and said the process was conducted on a transparent, merit-based footing to uphold fairness.
To prevent the emergence of illegal cattle markets, the District Municipal Administration teams are maintaining continuous monitoring across the city. Under instructions from CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, a zero-tolerance policy will be strictly enforced against unauthorised markets to protect public convenience and hygiene.
The implementation of a cashless system across the temporary cattle markets is intended to enhance transparency and reduce on-site cash handling. Authorities emphasise that the auctioned sites will operate under regulations designed to preserve public health standards and the cleanliness of Islamabad during the sacrificial season.
