With Eidul Azha just days away, the demand for experienced butchers in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) has surged, driven by the rise in sacrificial animal slaughter during the festival.
While many people have already bought animals, others are still searching, making skilled butchers essential for proper meat preparation.
Given their importance, professional butchers have raised their charges compared to last year.
Khawar Shehzad, a butcher and meat shop owner in Islamabad’s I-10 sector, explained that Eidul Azha is a significant religious occasion where the need for experienced butchers increases sharply.
“On Eidul Azha, everyone looks for a professional and skilled butcher for cutting their meat in a quality way; it is our peak season,” he said.
Shehzad shared that cow slaughtering on the first day of Eid costs Rs25,000, drops to Rs20,000 on the second day, and falls between Rs15,000 and Rs18,000 on the third day, depending on demand.
Goat and sheep slaughtering is priced between Rs6,000 and Rs7,000. Other butchers, including Asmat Ullah, quoted similar rates, confirming the high demand.
While residents are eagerly preparing for the festival, many have expressed concern about the rising prices of animals and the steep charges for butchers.
Tariq Mahmood, also from sector I-10, said he was trying to secure a professional butcher despite the high prices and added, “If I can’t book one, I’ll go with a seasonal one.”
He explained that based on past experience, seasonal butchers were often just as capable. Despite the high demand for professionals, people generally manage to find someone to perform the sacrifice.
To fill the gap, butchers from other parts of the country travel to Islamabad during Eid, often offering slightly lower rates.
This not only helps meet the city’s needs but also allows these visiting workers to earn more than they would back home.