Eid ul Adha 2025 in Pakistan: Soaring Livestock Prices
The key to a meaningful Eid-ul-Adha lies in striking a balance between enjoyment and reflection, and by doing so, people can reconnect with the true essence of the occasion and make their celebration more fulfilling. One good deed, one heartfelt prayer, or one sincere smile can make a person feel part of something greater, and that's when Eid really shines.
As Eid-ul-Adha approaches in Pakistan, citizens are grappling with the rising cost of livestock, with prices reaching up to Rs500,000 for calves and bulls, and Rs300,000 for goats and sheep, amidst concerns over ineffective price and safety regulations.
The Lahore district administration has established six official cattle markets, and the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 to maintain public order and sanitation. However, livestock traders attribute the price hike to increasing operational costs, including high fuel prices, transport expenses, and labour wages. Meanwhile, butchers in Lahore have stopped taking new bookings due to high demand, causing difficulties for residents to secure butchers for the sacrifice, with slaughtering rates skyrocketing to Rs8,000-Rs10,000 for a goat and Rs40,000-Rs50,000 for cows and camels.
The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha has become a complex phenomenon in Pakistan, with the focus shifting from the spiritual and symbolic meaning of the occasion to a more superficial and social media-driven experience. While it's natural to want to share joy and take photos, the emphasis on aesthetics and competition has led to a loss of deeper meaning and connection with the true spirit of Eid-ul-Adha, which commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and his willingness to give up his beloved son for the sake of his Creator.
To create a balance between enjoying the celebration and remembering the meaning behind it, people should focus on making their qurbani (sacrifice) meaningful by doing it with intention, reflection, and a pure heart. The true essence of Eid-ul-Adha lies in the values of sacrifice, compassion, humility, and faith, and it's essential to reflect on these values during the celebration. Moreover, the emotional side of sacrifice should not be overlooked, as it's not just about giving up animals, but also about sacrificing ego, letting go of grudges, forgiving others, and giving time, attention, or love where it's needed most.
As Eid-ul-Adha falls tomorrow in Pakistan, it's crucial for citizens to find joy without losing meaning and to experience more and post less, especially on social media. By focusing on the true spirit of the occasion and creating a balance between celebration and reflection, people can make their Eid-ul-Adha more meaningful and fulfilling.