The Commissioner of Karachi has cancelled the licence of a legally established cattle market on Korangi Road in line with court orders, sparking concern and frustration among traders.
In response, the market administration announced plans to challenge the decision in the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday, urging the Chief Justice to step in and help resolve the issue.
Sardar Sohail, the administrator of the Korangi Cattle Market, explained that the licence was obtained lawfully through an official Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) auction, for which a payment of Rs7 million was made.
The permit was issued on May 9, after all legal and departmental approvals were secured, including reports from the KMC, local police, and the Korangi deputy commissioner.
The market spans ten acres and currently accommodates over 250 traders and livestock sellers. Around 4,000 animals, both large and small, are present, and the market has developed into a temporary community complete with food stalls, parking, and digital banking services.
Alongside Karachi-based traders, hundreds of sellers from Punjab and various parts of Sindh have brought livestock to this market, which has become a vital source of income for many families.
The sudden cancellation has left traders uncertain about their future, as they now struggle with the possibility of relocating just weeks ahead of Eidul Azha. They’ve turned to the courts, seeking urgent relief.
Serving neighborhoods like Korangi, Landhi, Defence, Mahmoodabad, and Qayyumabad, the market has offered convenient access to sacrificial animals, with prices starting at Rs40,000 for goats and Rs150,000 for cows, making it a more affordable option for middle-income families.
Despite this closure, the commissioner’s office has approved 14 cattle markets throughout Karachi this year. While buyers have begun visiting these markets ahead of Eid, many are voicing concern over high prices.