ISLAMABAD – The trend of online buying and selling of sacrificial animals for the approaching religious festival Eid-ul Azha is rapidly growing.
People in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have started purchasing animals as Eid is approaching fast. Some businessmen are providing online services on different websites to facilitate people at their doorstep.
A survey conducted by this agency found that new online cattle markets are providing photos, videos, and other descriptions including the type and price of animals for sale.
Ali Tahir, employee of an online cattle business, said a large number of buyers have been getting aware of the online cattle purchasing services in and outside the country.
He said online trend have been flourished tremendously as increasing number of orders are placed every next year.
Zahid Ali, a resident of G-6 who purchased two goats from the online goat market, while talking to this agency said that he had been drawn to the online markets due to option of paying a price based on the actual weight of the animal.
“In the traditional cattle markets, the customers are seen haggling over the prices of the sacrificial animals. The animal dealers normally demand ten times higher prices,” he added.
In the online gallery, details such as the weight, number of teeth, age, photo, price and the name of animal are placed to help customers select the animal of his choice.
The animal price may be a little higher but this is often compensated by the option of having the animal delivered to you.
If the animals are not the same as shown on the website, buyers have the option of cancelling the purchase deal, said Zahid Ali.
Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday reviewed and finalised arrangements for sacrificial animal market and collection, disposal of offal and other waste of the sacrificial animals before Edi-ul-Azha.
A meeting held here on Thursday attended by officials of Enforcement Directorate, Fire Brigade, Electrical, Sanitation, Islamabad Police, Traffic Police and Water supply directorates.
The meeting discussed various issues including arrangements security, traffic, Sanitation, collection and disposal of offal and other waste of the sacrificial animals in Islamabad on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha.
An official of CDA said that the officials of Sanitation Directorate would ensure cleanliness of the entire city on emergency basis during Eid-ul-Azha to avoid odour and related problems.