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Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cattle prices surge by up to 70%
With Eidul Azha just around the corner, the sale of sacrificial animals has gathered pace across the metropolitan city, with markets seeing an uptick in activity. However, buyers are facing steep price hikes, with the cost of sacrificial animals surging by 50 to 70 per cent compared to last year. In various cattle markets of the metropolis, the starting price for goats is now around Rs40,000, while heifers - regardless of weight - are hardly available for less than Rs140,000. Last year, a low-weight heifer could still be purchased for under Rs100,000 were now fetching Rs200,000 or more. Buyers are increasingly frustrated at the lack of official regulation in animal pricing. Traders are setting prices arbitrarily, leaving buyers to negotiate deals through bargaining. Traders attribute the increase in prices to several factors, including the rising cost of animal feed, transportation, and other logistical expenses. "The cost of fodder alone has surged by over 50 per cent," Kashif Qureshi, a trader, told The Express Tribune. He added that animals are bought from larger markets in Punjab and Sindh, and medium-sized traders then transport them to Karachi - incurring fuel, tax, and miscellaneous expenses. "The total cost accumulates through various stages - purchasing from big traders, transportation to Karachi, and maintenance at the local markets, including lighting and security," Qureshi added. "Only after accounting for all these factors do traders add their margin, which can range from Rs15,000 to Rs50,000 for smaller animals and Rs50,000 to Rs200,000 or more for larger animals." Traders say that the pricing of animals is also influenced by breed, appearance, and weight. "While 13 government-designated cattle markets operate in Karachi, animals are also being sold informally in various neighbourhoods," said another trader, Arif Qureshi. He explained that cows, heifers, and camels are among the large animals available, but due to the current price surge, many middle-income families are struggling to afford them. Heifers of average weight are now selling between Rs200,000 and Rs300,000, while heavier, premium animals are priced between Rs400,000 and Rs1 million. Elite buyers are purchasing high-end animals ranging from Rs1.2 million to Rs2 million or more. As Eidul Azha nears, buyers are increasingly visiting the markets during evening and nighttime hours, typically seeking medium-sized heifers for around Rs200,000. Most animals are sourced from various districts across Punjab. In the goat market, prices have also risen sharply. Saifuddin, a goat trader, told The Express Tribune that medium-weight goats that were previously sold for Rs30,000 to Rs35,000 are now priced at Rs50,000 to Rs60,000. The starting price for goats is around Rs40,000, with some reaching up to Rs300,000, depending on breed and build. Rams and sheep are similarly priced, ranging from Rs40,000 to Rs200,000 or more. Their valuation is also driven by factors such as weight, breed, and appearance, according to trader Rashid Saleem. Camel trader Ibrahim Din spoke about a growing trend in camel sacrifices over the past two years, though it remains relatively limited. He said camels brought in from different districts of Sindh now cost Rs300,000 and above. Karachiites have voiced their concern over the sharp rise in prices. Saeed-ul-Zafar from Nazimabad said the same heifer he purchased for Rs150,000 last year cost him Rs240,000 this time. "There needs to be a government-regulated pricing mechanism for sacrificial animals," he urged. Similarly, Asif Abbasi from Saddar criticised the lack of oversight, saying, "Traders are charging arbitrary prices. I bought a goat for Rs60,000 this year, which cost me just Rs35,000 last Eid." With no formal pricing framework in place, people are left to navigate the inflated market through direct negotiations with traders - hoping to uphold the tradition of sacrifice amidst economic challenges.
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Reconstruction work stalls over land dispute
For a city as big as Karachi, a citywide transit network is crucial for addressing the transportation needs of the low-income masses and reducing the atmospheric pollution plaguing the industrial hub. Yet progress on public transport projects like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has remained minimal due to persistent land disagreements between state bodies. According to information received by The Express Tribune, in 2021, on the directions of the Supreme Court, Pakistan Railways had started development work on underpasses and flyovers at various places in the city to eliminate the KCR gates. "The revival of the Karachi Circular Railway was planned to be done in two phases. The first phase, costing Rs20 billion, involved the elimination of 24 railway crossings while the second project concerned the revival of the Circular Railway, including the construction of double tracks, reconstruction of stations and purchase of light rail. This phase was estimated to cost Rs200 billion under a public-private partnership. The entire project was to be completed in two years," said an official from Pakistan Railways, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official further revealed that in 2022, caretaker Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the request of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, directing Pakistan Railways to immediately hand over all the assets and land of the Karachi Circular Railway to the Sindh government. However, senior officials of Pakistan Railways were skeptical on the grounds that the construction, repair and operation of the railway system was a highly technical task requiring ample experience, which the Sindh government lacked. Since the federal government rejected the concerns of Pakistan Railways, development work on the railway crossings of the KCR was halted three years ago. According to the concerned officer, underpasses, flyovers and elevated rail tracks were to be constructed at seven locations along the 44 kilometre loop of the Karachi Circular Railway. Work on two underpasses at Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13D had started three years ago, 70 per cent of which had been completed. In addition, a railway overhead bridge at Hussainabad, a 3.5 kilometre elevated track from Musa Colony to Manghopir and a 6.5 kilometre elevated rail track from Gulbai Phatak to West Wharf were also under construction. Moreover, an underpass was to be constructed on University Road and a flyover at Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Machar Colony. Unfortunately, none of this could be completed. Dr Syed Nawaz Al-Huda, a regional planner, was of the opinion that had the Karachi Circular Railway project been completed in time, the people of Karachi would not have been victims of so many road accidents today. "In principle, this project should remain with Pakistan Railways because the Sindh government has no experience in railway construction and operations. It has been 36 years since the closure of the KCR, but this project is still plagued by the red tape," highlighted Dr Al-Huda, who implored the government to complete this project on a priority basis. Addressing the criticism, Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Kamal Hakim Daio told The Express Tribune that the Sindh government had not yet taken over the Karachi Circular Railway project. "Pakistan Railways has not yet handed over the land and assets of the Circular Railway to the Sindh government since it is seeking land or compensation in exchange. The Sindh government is still in the process of negotiating for the land for the KCR project, which will cost 2 billion US dollars," said Daio. On the other hand, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways assured that progress was being made on land-related matters in connection with the KCR project. "Details of the land of KCR have been shared by Pakistan Railways with the SMTA while discussions are also underway with the Board of Revenue, Sindh Management and Budgetary Reforms (SMBR) and the provincial government. No final decision has been made yet," claimed the official.
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cattle markets spring to life amid soaring prices
With Eidul Azha approaching, cattle markets across the metropolis have come alive with the hustle and bustle of buyers and sellers, but this year's skyrocketing prices have left citizens stunned. From the outskirts to the heart of the city, several makeshift livestock markets have been set up where people, including children, are eagerly heading to select their preferred sacrificial animals. However, prices for both small and large animals have surged drastically, making it difficult for many to afford this religious obligation. At the markets, the starting price of a bull is reported to be around Rs350,000, calves range between Rs200,000 to Rs250,000, and camels are being sold for Rs400,000 to Rs800,000. The steep rise in prices, driven by inflation and supply costs, has left both sellers and buyers anxious. To attract buyers, vendors have gone to great lengths to groom and decorate the animals. Protective measures against the summer heat are also in place as sellers are seen cooling their livestock with cold water baths and offering them traditional desi drinks. Makeshift shades have been erected to shelter the animals from the harsh sun. Meanwhile, the prices of fodder have also soared. Dry fodder such as bhoosa and toori is being sold for Rs800 to Rs850 per 40kg, while chopped green fodder costs Rs600 per 40kg, and unchopped green fodder is priced at Rs400 per 40kg. At Manawan Mandi, traders have arranged for their own electricity via generators and installed borewells for the animals' drinking water. However, no government-provided facilities like water filtration units or cooling systems for visitors have been set up. A complaints cell has been established, but many citizens remain concerned about the lack of basic amenities. Despite the challenges, the buying and selling of sacrificial animals continues in full swing.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
KCR reconstruction work stalls over land dispute
For a city as big as Karachi, a citywide transit network is crucial for addressing the transportation needs of the low-income masses and reducing the atmospheric pollution plaguing the industrial hub. Yet progress on public transport projects like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has remained minimal due to persistent land disagreements between state bodies. According to information received by The Express Tribune, in 2021, on the directions of the Supreme Court, Pakistan Railways had started development work on underpasses and flyovers at various places in the city to eliminate the KCR gates. "The revival of the Karachi Circular Railway was planned to be done in two phases. The first phase, costing Rs20 billion, involved the elimination of 24 railway crossings while the second project concerned the revival of the Circular Railway, including the construction of double tracks, reconstruction of stations and purchase of light rail. This phase was estimated to cost Rs200 billion under a public-private partnership. The entire project was to be completed in two years," said an official from Pakistan Railways, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official further revealed that in 2022, caretaker Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the request of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, directing Pakistan Railways to immediately hand over all the assets and land of the Karachi Circular Railway to the Sindh government. However, senior officials of Pakistan Railways were skeptical on the grounds that the construction, repair and operation of the railway system was a highly technical task requiring ample experience, which the Sindh government lacked. Since the federal government rejected the concerns of Pakistan Railways, development work on the railway crossings of the KCR was halted three years ago. According to the concerned officer, underpasses, flyovers and elevated rail tracks were to be constructed at seven locations along the 44 kilometre loop of the Karachi Circular Railway. Work on two underpasses at Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13D had started three years ago, 70 per cent of which had been completed. In addition, a railway overhead bridge at Hussainabad, a 3.5 kilometre elevated track from Musa Colony to Manghopir and a 6.5 kilometre elevated rail track from Gulbai Phatak to West Wharf were also under construction. Moreover, an underpass was to be constructed on University Road and a flyover at Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Machar Colony. Unfortunately, none of this could be completed. Dr Syed Nawaz Al-Huda, a regional planner, was of the opinion that had the Karachi Circular Railway project been completed in time, the people of Karachi would not have been victims of so many road accidents today. "In principle, this project should remain with Pakistan Railways because the Sindh government has no experience in railway construction and operations. It has been 36 years since the closure of the KCR, but this project is still plagued by the red tape," highlighted Dr Al-Huda, who implored the government to complete this project on a priority basis. Addressing the criticism, Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Kamal Hakim Daio told The Express Tribune that the Sindh government had not yet taken over the Karachi Circular Railway project. "Pakistan Railways has not yet handed over the land and assets of the Circular Railway to the Sindh government since it is seeking land or compensation in exchange. The Sindh government is still in the process of negotiating for the land for the KCR project, which will cost 2 billion US dollars," said Daio. On the other hand, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways assured that progress was being made on land-related matters in connection with the KCR project. "Details of the land of KCR have been shared by Pakistan Railways with the SMTA while discussions are also underway with the Board of Revenue, Sindh Management and Budgetary Reforms (SMBR) and the provincial government. No final decision has been made yet," claimed the official.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Two convicted for murder
On being proved guilty, all the seven convicts were awarded 8-year imprisonment each and a fine of 87 lakh rupees each. The embezzled money has already been recovered from the officers. PHOTO: FILE Additional District and Sessions Judge Asad Ullah Saraj sentenced two accused for life and acquitted five others, including a woman, in a murder case of Dijkot police station. According to the prosecution, accused Shakeel Anjum and Abu Bakar, along with co-accused Abdul Rehman, Ali Sher, Ubaidur Rehman, Shehzad Ali, Umar Farooq and Pathani had shot dead Naseem Bibi of Chak No.269RB over litigation on July 21, 2023. After observing evidence and witness accounts, the court handed down life imprisonment to Shakeel Anjum and Abu Bakar along with a fine of Rs200,000 each. The convicts would have to undergo an additional imprisonment of six months if they fail to pay the fine. The judge also directed both convicts to pay Rs500,000 each as compensation to the heirs of the deceased. The court acquitted five accused, while accused Abdul Rehman was declared a proclaimed offender.
