Rising Inflation Dampens Sales of Camels for Eid ul Adha in Pakistan
Camels for Eid: Islamabad, Pakistan – As the annual holy festival of Eid ul Adha approaches, teenager Amanullah Khan finds himself struggling to attract customers for the towering camels he decorates with intricate henna patterns. Alongside hundreds of farmers, Khan has set up camp at livestock markets near the federal capital, hoping to sell animals for the festival that begins on Thursday. However, with inflation soaring to a record 38 percent in May, the markets are witnessing diminished footfall.
Festive Henna Patterns Fail to Attract Customers
Khan’s cousin, Zakaria, who had experienced good profits last year, brought 18 camels to the market but has managed to sell only one so far. “People’s purchasing power has declined. Customers are reluctant to visit the market, and even those who do prefer to leave empty-handed due to the exorbitant prices of the animals,” laments Zakaria, 21.
Eid ul Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, involves Muslims worldwide performing the ritualistic act of slaughtering an animal, such as a goat, sheep, bull, or camel. They keep one-third of the meat for themselves, distribute one-third to friends and relatives, and donate one-third to charity. This sacred commemoration stems from the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as a testament to his obedience to Allah.
Inflation Hits Middle-Class Pakistanis
Despite the deep-rooted tradition associated with the festival, many middle-class Pakistanis will be unable to partake in the sacrifice this year due to the prevailing economic circumstances. “Our income remains the same, but the prices have skyrocketed. How can we afford such hefty amounts?” questions Ali Akbar, a 46-year-old builder.
Zerak Ali, another potential customer, inquires about the price of a camel, which can reach up to one million rupees ($3,500). “I can offer it to you for 700,000,” negotiates Zakaria. However, Ali, a 56-year-old shopkeeper, decides to lead his two grandsons towards the section housing more affordable bulls.
Camel Sacrifice: A Niche Practice in Pakistan
While camel sacrifice is not common in Pakistan, some affluent buyers prefer this animal because its meat can be shared among 11 families, in accordance with Islamic rules. The Islamabad market has witnessed the arrival of over 250 camels, alongside thousands of bulls, cows, goats, and sheep. Bulls command prices up to 500,000 rupees, while goats range from 50,000 to 150,000 rupees.
Profit Margins Shrinking for Livestock Traders
Market taxes, rising fodder and truck rental prices, and staff wages are eating into Zakaria’s profits. He anticipates incurring losses worth millions of rupees this year. Bakht Zaman, a farmer from Mardan district in Pakistan’s northwest, has also faced difficulties, managing to sell only one of the ten camels he brought to the market for 500,000 rupees.
Buyer Haq Nawaz attributes the lack of sales to the devaluation of the Pakistani rupee. He questions, “Who would purchase such expensive animals?”
Key Points
- Rising inflation in Pakistan, reaching a record 38 percent in May, impacts the sale of camels for Eid ul Adha.
- Reduced purchasing power and exorbitant prices lead to decreased footfall in livestock markets.
- Middle-class Pakistanis struggle to afford sacrificial animals due to skyrocketing prices, affecting the traditional practices of Eid ul Adha.
Published in PakWeb, June 28, 2023.
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