Cattle market auction faces deadlock

Bidders have formed a united front against the decision to start the auction of the Bhata Ground cattle market contract at a reserve price of Rs4 billion, leading to the failure of two bidding attempts. The third open auction is now scheduled for April 13 after the previous two attempts collapsed when bidders collectively demanded the removal of the reserve price condition and insisted that bidding begin from last year's rates. Last year, the contract for a 15-day Eidul Azha cattle market at Bhata Ground was awarded for Rs165.7 million. However, this time, the cantonment administration decided to auction the contract for a full year, including Eidul Azha, starting from a significantly higher reserve price. Bhata Ground is considered the largest cattle market hub for Rawalpindi and Islamabad, attracting sacrificial animals from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. The new plan aims to establish a year-round market, operating not only during Eidul Azha but also weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Officials believe the initiative could ensure regular meat supply, promote livestock trade, and support agriculture and dairy businesses, while also generating substantial revenue for the cantonment board. Sources in the cantonment board maintained that setting the reserve price at Rs4 billion is justified, as it offers a major business opportunity to the contractor. They insisted the reserve price will not be reduced.