ISLAMABAD - The prices of the sacrificial animals have registered an increase this year as compared to the last year owing to increase in transportation charges and other associated expenses.  
Traders have started to bring animals in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and are herding in the streets to attract the customers though Eid-ul-Azha is still two weeks away.
The sellers are demanding high prices for the animals because they have a lot of time to wait for the customers ready to pay their desired prices.
Traders expressed the hope that sales will gain momentum in coming days as twin cities dwellers, who have difficulties in keeping the animals in their yards, will start visiting the markets.
“Maximum number of animals are expected to be sold on day before Eid-ul-Azha as usual, they said.
A little number of animals, particularly goats and sheep, have arrived in the twin cities so far and at present, the sale prices start from Rs.15,000 because of limited number of animals available for sale.
The price of A category goat/sheep has increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. Prices of B category has increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 and C category to Rs 10,000 and above.
But, despite the increased prices of sacrificial animals, the demand of the animals is being expected to get momentum ahead of Eid-ul Azha in few days. Customers said that the prices are likely to come down in case a large number of animals arrive in the twin cities before Eid.
Now, the trend of `Ijtamai Qurbani’ is also becoming popular in the twin cities.
The annual sacrificial animal market would be established in Sector I-11/4 of the federal capital for purchase of animals for the festival of Eid-ul-Azha from October 17.