With Eidul Azha just days away, the demand for skilled butchers in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) has surged sharply, driven by the upcoming spike in sacrificial animal slaughter. Many residents have already bought animals, but finding experienced butchers to prepare the meat remains a top priority.
Butchers like Khawar Shehzad, who runs a meat shop in Islamabad’s sector I-10, say this period marks their peak season. He shared that cow slaughtering rates start at Rs25,000 on the first day of Eid and gradually drop to Rs15,000 to Rs18,000 by the third day. Charges for goat and sheep sacrifices range between Rs6,000 and Rs7,000. These increased rates reflect the high demand and importance of professional skill in ensuring quality meat preparation.
ALso Read: Punjab Enforces Section 144 During Eid Celebrations
While many residents eagerly anticipate the festival, concerns have been raised over rising animal prices and the steep fees charged by butchers. Some, like Tariq Mahmood from sector I-10, have considered hiring seasonal butchers as alternatives, who often provide comparable skills at lower rates.
To meet the growing demand, numerous butchers from other parts of the country travel to Islamabad during Eid, offering more affordable options and addressing the shortage of skilled labor. This influx not only benefits local consumers but also boosts earnings for visiting butchers during the festival season.