Livestock shortage alarms experts ahead of Eid al-Adha

ISLAMABAD (Rana Farukh): President of All Pakistan Jamiat Al-Quresh Meat Welfare Association and Member of the Livestock and Dairy Development Board, Khurshid Ahmed Qureshi, has expressed deep concern over the rapidly increasing shortage of animals in the country and warned that if immediate steps are not taken, the people may face severe difficulties on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha.

In his statement, he said that the number of livestock in the country is decreasing at an alarming rate, due to which a clear gap has arisen between demand and supply.

He said that rampant export, unorganized slaughter, and indiscriminate use of meat in weddings and other ceremonies have made this situation more serious.

Furthermore, he expressed concern over the rising prices of goat meat (mutton) in particular, saying that the prices of mutton in the market have now crossed Rs 3,000 per kg, which is becoming beyond the purchasing power of the common man.

He said that as Eid al-Adha approaches, the prices of goats and mutton are expected to increase further, which will make it more difficult for the public to purchase goats for sacrifice.

Khurshid Ahmed Qureshi appealed to the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Minister of Interior, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, and the Minister of Commerce to take immediate notice of this important issue and take urgent steps to save the public from possible difficulties.

He stressed that the export of meat should be controlled immediately, while an effective policy should be formulated to regulate the consumption of meat in marriages and other ceremonies.

He further said that in view of the current situation, urgent import of livestock from Ethiopia, Somalia, and other countries has become inevitable to maintain a balance between supply and demand and prevent an extraordinary increase in prices.

He warned that if timely and effective measures are not taken, the prices of animals may become unaffordable for the common man near Eid al-Adha, which may affect the performance of important duties like sacrifice.

Finally, Khurshid Ahmed Qureshi expressed the hope that the government, keeping in mind the seriousness of the situation, will take immediate, practical, and lasting decisions so that the shortage of livestock in the country can be controlled and relief can be provided to the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.