KARACHI: With the rapid expansion of digital technology in Pakistan, online shopping has now extended beyond everyday products to include sacrificial animals and butchery services ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
According to reports, a growing number of citizens are turning to online platforms to purchase sacrificial animals, especially during Eid season when traditional livestock markets are often crowded, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate.
The trend has also provided significant convenience for overseas Pakistanis, who can now fulfill the religious practice of sacrifice through reliable digital services without being physically present.
Online platforms typically display detailed listings of animals, including cows, bulls, goats, sheep, and camels, along with specifications such as weight, age, and price. Customers can browse options and make selections according to their budget and preference.
Some services also offer collective sacrifice (share-based Qurbani), allowing multiple users to jointly contribute to a larger animal at a lower individual cost, making the practice more affordable for many households.
In addition, the digital shift has extended to butchery services, where users can book professional slaughter and meat-cutting services online. These platforms allow customers to select time slots and service packages based on convenience.
Industry experts say the online Qurbani sector is witnessing steady year-on-year growth, with demand expected to rise further this Eid-ul-Adha as more consumers adopt digital solutions for religious and practical needs.
Eid-ul-Adha likely to be celebrated on May 27
The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has said in its report that there is a strong possibility of Eid-ul-Adha being celebrated in Pakistan this year on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
According to Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti, the birth of the new moon will occur on the night between May 16 and 17. On the evening of May 17, the age of the moon will be more than 18 hours in most areas. If the information remains clear, the moon will be sighted on Sunday and 1st Zil-Hijjah will be on May 18 and Eid-ul-Adha will be on May 27.
According to the forecast, this year Eid is likely to be on the same day in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. However, if the moon is not sighted on May 17, then Zul-Qa’d will be 30 days long and Eid will be on Thursday, May 28. The final decision will be taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
According to experts, the sighting of the moon depends not only on the age of the moon but also on the weather, the weather conditions, the height of the moon on the horizon and the duration of the moon’s presence after sunset. That is why it is announced at the official level only after reviewing the testimonies received from different parts of the country.
It should be noted that Eid al-Adha is an important religious festival of the Islamic year, which is celebrated on 10th Dhul-Hijjah in memory of the Sunnah of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). On this occasion, Muslims perform the Sunnah of Abraham by sacrificing animals, while the rituals of Hajj are also performed on these days.
