Residents protest cattle market in I-12
People attend a rally in support of federal workers outside the 26 Federal Plaza, a federal office building in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2025. PHOTO:REUTERS
lot allottees have shown their serious concerns after the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) announced an open auction to set up a temporary cattle market in Sector I-12 for 13 days on the eve of Eidul Azha.
The auction is scheduled for May 20, as per a notice published in various newspapers, and will permit the establishment of a sacrificial animal market in the area, potentially impacting the ongoing infrastructural development work in sector I-12. Khumar Gul, one of the concerned allottees, expressed his worries, saying, "Establishing a cattle market in a sector still under development is a risky decision. Heavy trucks, large numbers of animals, and crowds of traders and buyers can put immense pressure on the newly laid sewerage lines and constructed roads, potentially causing months of setbacks in the ongoing work."
Sector I-12, which has been under slow-paced development for decades, is currently witnessing important infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of sewerage lines, road construction, and other essential utilities.
Allottees, who have long awaited possession of their plots, fear that the influx of livestock, heavy vehicles, and increased foot traffic could damage the fragile infrastructure, further delaying their long-cherished plans to build homes.
Another allottee, Muhammad Tabraiz, said that the cattle market could worsen the delays already faced by allottees. "We have been waiting for decades to receive possession of our plots. The development process is already moving at a snail's pace. Bringing in thousands of animals and traders will only worsen the situation, causing unnecessary delays and additional repair costs," he said.
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