Animal sales in Pakistan drop by Rs500 billion on Eid-ul-Adha

The number of sacrificial animals sold and slaughtered on Eid-ul-Adha 2025 saw a notable decline across Pakistan, according to fresh data released by the Pakistan Tanneries Association.

This year, approximately 600,000 to one million fewer animals were sold compared to previous years. A total of 6.977 million animals were sacrificed during the three-day religious festival.

The breakdown provided by the association shows that around three million cows, 3.4 million goats, 400,000 sheep, and 100,000 camels were sacrificed nationwide.

Drop in sales value

The total estimated value of sacrificial animal sales saw a steep decline of Rs500 billion, highlighting the economic strain many citizens faced amid rising inflation and stagnant incomes.

Cow prices dropped significantly this year, with decreases ranging from Rs25,000 to Rs150,000. However, in contrast to the falling trend in cattle prices, the cost of goats rose sharply -- by Rs10,000 to Rs50,000. A similar upward trend was recorded for camels.

According to market observers, this mixed pricing pattern reflects shifts in consumer behaviour, with more people opting for smaller animals due to budget constraints, which in turn increased their demand and prices.

Value of hides

The Pakistan Tanneries Association estimated the total value of animal hides collected during Eid-ul-Adha at Rs6.35 billion, an important economic component for the leather industry that benefits from Eid sacrifices each year.

On June 8, it was reported that during Eid-ul-Adha, more than 1.1 million sacrificial animals were sold in 292 livestock markets across Punjab, according to figures released by the provincial Local Government Department.

These statistics covered all nine administrative divisions of the province. Over 1.5 million animals were brought to markets across Punjab, as per the stats.

Lahore led all divisions with the highest number of sales, recording the sale of 665,000 animals, including 443,000 small animals (goats and sheep) and 222,000 large animals (cows and bulls).

In Faisalabad, 112,000 animals were brought in, and 88,000 were sold. Bahawalpur Division also reported strong activity, with over 100,000 animals sold.

Meanwhile, in DG Khan, the sale numbers were more modest, with 38,000 small animals and just 30,000 large animals sold.

In Rawalpindi, 84,000 animals were brought into the markets, with 46,000 sold. Sahiwal recorded 47,000 animal sales, while Sargodha posted an impressive 94,000 animals sold.

In Gujranwala, around 10,000 animals were bought and sold, and Multan saw trade of 16,000 animals.

Officials from the Local Government Department noted that livestock markets across the province remained largely organized, with improved facilities and management contributing to the smooth conduct of buying and selling activities.