Karachi authorities have approved 21 cattle markets to accommodate the surge of citizens and livestock traders ahead of Eid-ul-Azha [1].
This administrative move aims to bring order to the annual livestock trade, which typically causes significant congestion and logistical challenges across the city. By designating specific areas for trade, the city intends to streamline the process of buying and selling animals, and reducing unregulated gatherings on public roads.
Citizens began gathering at the approved markets, known as mandis, in early May 2026 [1]. The increase in foot traffic reflects the traditional preparation for the religious holiday, where livestock trade is a central economic and cultural activity. Traders from various regions have converged on these sites to sell cattle, goats, and sheep to urban residents.
The approval of 21 specific markets [1] is intended to distribute the crowd across different zones of the city. This strategy is designed to prevent the overcrowding of a few central hubs, which often leads to traffic gridlock in Karachi's densely populated areas.
Local authorities implemented these measures to ensure that the trade remains organized. The surge in activity at these sites underscores the scale of the livestock economy during the pre-Eid period, as thousands of buyers seek animals for sacrifice. The coordination between city officials and livestock traders is intended to minimize the disruption to daily city operations, and supporting the needs of the citizens.
“Karachi authorities have approved 21 cattle markets to accommodate the surge of citizens and livestock traders.”
The designation of multiple approved markets indicates a shift toward decentralized urban management in Karachi. By spreading the livestock trade across 21 sites, the city is attempting to mitigate the systemic traffic and sanitation failures that typically accompany the Eid-ul-Azha rush, highlighting the challenge of balancing traditional religious practices with modern urban infrastructure.
