Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • Sacrifices decline by 28% to 5.8 million animals in Pakistan this Eid Al-Adha


Sacrifices decline by 28% to 5.8 million animals in Pakistan this Eid Al-Adha

A customer (R) checks a cow at a cattle market set up for the Muslim Eid al-Adha festival or the Festival of Sacrifice in Karachi on July 10, 2020. (AFP)
Short Url

https://arab.news/99mee

Updated 05 August 2020
KHURSHID AHMED 
Follow

Sacrifices decline by 28% to 5.8 million animals in Pakistan this Eid Al-Adha

  • 8.1 million animals were sacrificed last year, national tanners association says 
  • Coronavirus lockdowns, movement restrictions and weakening purchasing power have caused decline
Updated 05 August 2020
KHURSHID AHMED 

KARACHI: Pakistanis sacrificed around 5.8 million animals worth $1 billion on the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Adha this year, 28 percent lower than last year, data from the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) shows, amid a coronavirus pandemic and economic contraction.
Pakistan this year banned open-air livestock markets inside cities for Eid Al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Government social-distancing restrictions this year, including half-day closing, saw a drop in customers at the normally bustling markets which, like in other Muslim countries, are set up in urban centers ahead of one of Islam’s most important festivals.
Agha Saiddain, a senior PTA official, said 8.1 million animals were sacrificed last year, which dropped by 28 percent to 5.86 million animals, worth over Rs174 billion ($1 billion), this year. 
“The reason of the decline in animal sacrifices are coronavirus related lockdowns, movement restrictions and weakening purchasing power of the people,” the PTA official said. 
PTA data showed two million cows were sacrificed this year compared to three million last year and 3 million goats as compared to four million last year. Around 60,000 camels were slaughtered this year against 100,000 last year.
Eid businesses play an important role in the overall economy of Pakistan that has contracted by 0.4% for the first time in 68 years.

Tanners say despite the lower number of sacrifices, prices of skins and hides remained low this year because of lower export demand of finished products. The major export market for Pakistani leather products, including garments, is Europe while tanned leather is exported mainly to China. 

“The European markets are closed after the outbreak of COVID-19,” said Gulzar Feroz, an ex-PTA chairman. “Majority of tanneries are shutdown or working at 50 percent of their capacity in the absence of demand from Europe.”

Skins and hides of sacrificed animals provide around 30 percent of the raw material for the country’s leather exporting industry which is also suffering from declining production and exports. This year the price of cow hide was around Rs 450-500 as compared to Rs 900-1200 last year, according to tanners and exporters. 

“The raw material [skins and hides] purchased last year are not totally consumed; that is why the purchases were limited this year,” said Syed Shujaat Ali, chairman of the Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PLEGMEA). “The facility which would stock 100,000 hides could buy only 5000. If the main buyers are not purchasing, how will the prices soar?”

The export of leather products has declined by 9.4 percent to $765 million during the outgoing fiscal year FY20, data shows. A major decline of 27 percent was seen in the export of tanned leather while leather garments’ exports declined only slightly by two 2 percent, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. 

Another round of talks between Imran Khan’s party, government expected tomorrow

Updated 4 sec ago
Follow

Another round of talks between Imran Khan’s party, government expected tomorrow

  • Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party held first round of talks with government on Dec. 23, second on Jan. 2
  • Party is demanding the release of political prisoners, judicial commission to probe allegations it led violent protests 
Updated 4 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The political party of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold another round of talks tomorrow, Thursday, with the government over the release of its leader and other political activists and the formation of a judicial commission to probe accusations the party led violent protests. 

Khan’s ouster in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in 2022 has plunged the country into long-term political crisis, particularly since the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was jailed in August last year on corruption and other charges, on which he remains behind bars. His party and supporters regularly hold protests calling for his release, with many of the demonstrations turning violent, including one in November last year in which the government says four troops were killed and the PTI says 12 of its supporters died. 

Khan had previously rejected talks with the government, saying his party would only speak to the ‘real powerbrokers’ in Pakistan, the all-powerful army, but last month he set up a negotiating committee of top party leaders to open dialogue with the government on two main demands: the release of political prisoners and the establishment of judicial commissions to investigate PTI-led protests on May 9, 2023, and Nov. 26, 2024, in which the government says his supporters engaged in violence and arson.

The first round of talks took place on Dec. 23 and the second on Jan. 2.

“We [government committee] told them [PTI] at the last meeting that if you want a judicial commission then what terms of reference do you want, do you have any conditions on who should head it, and similarly, can you give us a list of who you consider political prisoners and then we can answer whether these are political prisoners or not,” Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s PML-N party, told Pakistan’s Geo News on Wednesday.

“Hopefully, at tomorrow’s [Thursday] meeting, they will give us this list and also their conditions on the judicial commission.” 

Speaking outside a sessions court in the federal capital, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, who is also Khan’s lawyer, confirmed that another round of talks would be held with the government committee on Thursday. 

“The third session of our negotiations with the government will take place tomorrow and we will submit our written demands,” he told reporters. 

“If the government engages with sincerity and seriousness, solutions to these issues can be found. Democracy and political stability require the release and relief of political prisoners ... We hope this process will conclude soon and bring good news.”

The talks opened last month as Khan had threatened a civil dissidence movement and amid growing concerns he could face trial by a military court for allegedly inciting attacks on sensitive security installations during the May 9 protests.

The negotiations also began two days after 25 civilians were sentenced by a military court to periods of two to 10 years of “rigorous imprisonment” in connection with attacks on military facilities on May 9, 2023. Just days later on Dec. 26, another 60 civilians were sentenced by a military court to jail time ranging from 2 to 10 years in connection with the May 9 attacks.

Khan’s arrest in May 2023 in a land graft case sparked countrywide protests that saw his supporters attack and ransack military installations in an unprecedented backlash against Pakistan’s powerful army generals. Although Khan was released days later, he was rearrested in August that year after being convicted in a corruption case. He remains in prison and says all cases against him are politically motivated. 

Topics: Pakistan Imran Khan

Pakistan smoking-related deaths surpass South Asia, global averages — survey

Updated 54 min 42 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan smoking-related deaths surpass South Asia, global averages — survey

  • Pakistan’s annual rate is 91.1 per 100,000 people, with 80% smokers expressing desire to quit
  • Average death rate for South Asia is 78.1, while the global average is 72.6 per 100,000 people
Updated 54 min 42 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s annual smoking-related death rate of 91.1 per 100,000 people significantly exceeds both the South Asian and global averages, according to an analysis by Gallup Pakistan on Tuesday, based on the Global Burden of Disease 2024 report.
Smoking is often initiated at a young age in Pakistan, with many individuals beginning the habit during adolescence. Although laws exist to prevent the sale of cigarettes to anyone under 18 and prohibit sales near schools, enforcement remains weak.
The affordability of cigarettes further contributes to the easy accessibility of tobacco products for youth. Early initiation is additionally driven by peer pressure and the perceived glamor associated with smoking, despite restrictions on promotional activities.
“According to the Global Burden of Disease 2024, Pakistan reports an annual death rate from smoking of 91.1 per 100,000 people, notably higher than the averages for South Asia (78.1) and the rest of the world (72.6),” Gallup said.
“Between 1990 and 2021, Pakistan experienced a 35 percent relative decrease in smoking-related death rates, which is lower than the reductions achieved by India (37 percent), South Asia (38 percent), and the global average (42 percent),” it added.
Gallup also mentioned data from the World Health Organization, saying it showed that purchasing 100 packs of the most-sold cigarette brand requires 3.7 percent of the GDP per capita, significantly lower than India’s 9.8 percent and Bangladesh’s 4.2 percent.
However, cigarette affordability is still decreasing in the country, with the share of GDP per capita needed to buy 100 packs rising by 38 percent between 2012 and 2022 due to price increases.
Gallup also quoted its own 2022 opinion poll, saying 80 percent of smokers in the country expressed a desire to quit smoking.
 

Topics: Pakistan south asia Cigarettes smoking Gallup Pakistan Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan plot spin blitz as West Indies return after 19 years

Updated 15 January 2025
AFP
Follow

Pakistan plot spin blitz as West Indies return after 19 years

  • Pakistan capitalized on home advantage when England came in October
  • West Indies last toured Pakistan in 2006, before a militant attack on visiting Sri Lanka team
Updated 15 January 2025
AFP

MULTAN, Pakistan: Pakistan will look to formidable spin duo Noman Ali and Sajid Khan to torment the visitors when the West Indies play their first Test series in the country in 19 years from Friday.

Pakistan capitalized on home advantage when England came in October, tailoring pitches for slow bowling to snap a painful winless streak with a 2-1 victory.

Noman and Sajid played starring roles and are joined in the squad by Abrar Ahmed, hinting at a three-pronged spin assault in the two-match series in Multan.

The West Indies last toured Pakistan in 2006, before a militant attack on the visiting Sri Lanka team three years later scared off international sides.

Andre Coley is in charge of a West Indies team which has won only two of its last 13 Tests before he hands over the reins to white-ball coach Daren Sammy in April.

“It’s a new series, a new opportunity,” Coley told reporters as the team arrived last week.

“When you talk about Test cricket, it’s not only the opposition’s skill that provides tests, but the different conditions, different environments and different game situations.”

Pakistan selectors delivered victory against England by taking the bold decision to drop ace batsman Babar Azam and pace pair Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.

Left-arm spinner Noman and off-spinner Sajid shared 39 of 40 England wickets on pitches baked with patio heaters and dried with fans, clinching the series after losing the first match.

“We bounced back well against England,” said skipper Shan Masood of a series that salvaged his reputation after Pakistan lost their first six matches under his captaincy.

“With backs against the wall we did well. We need to learn how to land the first punch,” he said after his team suffered a 2-0 defeat in South Africa last week.

Azam has regained his place but Shaheen and Naseem remain out in a bid to manage their workloads.

Opener Saim Ayub is suffering from a calf injury sustained in South Africa and his partner Abdullah Shafique is dropped because of poor form, leaving the door open for the return of experienced Imam-ul-Haq.

To match Pakistan’s spin attack, the West Indies will deploy left-armers Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican, as well as Kevin Sinclair.

Kemar Roach will head the pace attack in the absence of Shamar Joseph — out with a shin injury — and Alzarri Joseph who has opted to play T20 cricket in the UAE.

The second Test starts January 25, with the series deciding which team will finish bottom of the World Test Championship table.

Pakistan currently rank eighth and the West Indies ninth and last.

South Africa and Australia have already qualified for June’s WTC final at Lord’s despite Australia’s shock loss to the West Indies in Brisbane last year.

Squads:

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Agha

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

Topics: Pakistan vs West Indies Pakistan Test cricket

Pakistani security forces kill four militants in North Waziristan operation

Updated 15 January 2025
Follow

Pakistani security forces kill four militants in North Waziristan operation

  • The intelligence-based operation was carried out against TTP militants in the Spinwam area
  • Pakistan’s army chief said this week security forces will continue targeted operations against TTP
Updated 15 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Pakistani security forces killed four militants in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan’s Spinwam area, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Wednesday.

The operation comes amid a surge in militant violence in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, which Pakistani authorities attribute to cross-border attacks by the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from neighboring Afghanistan.

Officials have also accused the Afghan Taliban administration of facilitating these attacks, a claim Kabul has denied.

Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, told political stakeholders in KP this week that security forces were not planning a full-scale operation against the TTP but would continue targeted intelligence-based actions to counter the banned militant faction.

“On night 14/15 January 2025, Security Forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in general area Spinwam, North Waziristan District on reported presence of khwarij [TTP militants],” the ISPR said in a statement.

“During conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged khwarij’s location, and after intense exchange of fire, four khwarij were sent to hell,” it added.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who the ISPR said had been actively involved in numerous violent attacks on security forces and targeted killings of civilians.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their efforts.

“The nation is proud of the fearless youth in our security forces,” Sharif said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. “We remain determined to thwart the evil designs of the enemies of humanity and will continue to work toward eradicating terrorism from the country.”

The ISPR emphasized the operation underscored Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating militancy, adding security forces were determined to “wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.”

Topics: North Waziristan Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP

Pakistan’s Imran Khan defiant even as longer sentence looms

Updated 15 January 2025
AFP
Follow

Pakistan’s Imran Khan defiant even as longer sentence looms

  • The former prime minister can get 14-year prison term this month in the Al Qadir Trust graft case
  • Analysts believe the security establishment is using the sentence as a bargaining chip with Khan
Updated 15 January 2025
AFP

ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, Pakistan’s most popular politician, is facing a 14-year prison term this month in a case his party says is being used to pressure him into silence.
The former prime minister, long a source of frustration for the powerful military, has been in custody since August 2023 and faces a slew of legal cases he says are politically motivated.
A looming verdict for graft linked to a welfare foundation he set up with his wife, the Al-Qadir Trust, is the longest-running of those cases, with a verdict postponed on Monday for a third time.
“The Al-Qadir Trust case, like previous cases, is being dragged on only to pressure me,” Khan said this month in one of his frequent statements railing against authorities and posted on social media by his team.
“But I demand its immediate resolution.”
Analysts say the military establishment is using the sentence as a bargaining chip with Khan, whose popularity undermines a shaky coalition government that kept his party from power in elections last year.
“The establishment’s deal is he comes out and stays quiet, stays decent, until the next election,” said Ayesha Siddiqa, a London-based author and analyst on Pakistan’s military.
Analysts say the military are Pakistan’s kingmakers, although the generals deny interfering in politics.
Khan said he had once been offered a three-year exile abroad and was also “indirectly approached” recently about the possibility of house arrest at his sprawling home on the outskirts of the capital.
“We can assume from the delays that this is a politically motivated judgment. It is a Damocles sword over him,” Khan’s legal adviser Faisal Fareed Chaudhry told AFP.
“The case has lost its credibility,” he said, adding that Khan will not accept any deal to stay silent.
Khan has been convicted and sentenced four times in other cases. Two cases have been overturned by the Supreme Court, while judges have suspended the sentences from the other two.
The specialist anti-graft “accountability court” is set to announce the verdict and sentence in the welfare foundation case on Friday, two days after government envoys are scheduled to meet leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to ease tensions.
The PTI has previously sworn to refuse talks with a government its leaders claim is illegitimate, alleging the coalition seized power by rigging February 2024 polls.
They say they will only take part if political prisoners are released and an independent inquiry is launched into allegations of a heavy-handed response by authorities to PTI protests.
Otherwise, Khan has threatened to pull his party from the negotiations and continue with a campaign of civil disobedience that has frequently brought Islamabad to a standstill.
The most recent protests flared around November 26, when the PTI allege at least 10 of their activists were shot dead. The government says five security force members were killed in the chaos.
“The government would like to appear legitimate, and for that they need PTI to sit down in talks with them,” said Asma Faiz, associate professor of political science at Lahore University of Management Sciences.
“Ideally, they would be looking to offer some relief to Imran Khan and his party to appease the domestic and international criticism,” she told AFP.
For now, it appears to be a stalemate, said Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute director at The Wilson Center in Washington.
“The army might be willing to give Khan a deal that gets him out of jail, but Khan wouldn’t accept the likely conditions of his freedom,” he told AFP.
“Another problem is I can’t imagine the government agreeing to an investigation of November 26. But PTI won’t budge on that demand.”
A stint in exile is common in the trajectory of political leaders in Pakistan who fall out of favor with the military and find themselves before the courts, only to return to power later.
Three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif served only a fraction of a sentence for corruption, spending several years in London before returning to Pakistan in late 2023.
Former and current president Asif Ali Zardari moved to Dubai after his party was rebuked by the generals.
Both men are now considered the chief architects of the ruling coalition.
But exile might not fit with the carefully worked image of Khan, whose political rise was based on the promise of replacing decades of entrenched dynastic politics.
“I will live and die in Pakistan,” Khan said in a statement shared by his lawyers. “I will fight for my country’s freedom until my last breath, and I expect my nation to do the same.”

Topics: Imran Khan Pakistan

Latest updates

Another round of talks between Imran Khan’s party, government expected tomorrow
Palestinian Islamic Jihad official says joined Gaza prisoner swap talks in Qatar
German minister says ‘historic opportunity’ to support new Syria
Mozambique inaugurates new president amid deadly unrest
Russia fires over 40 missiles at Ukraine’s energy sector: Zelensky

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2025 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.