KARACHI (January 23 2004): After the restoration of normal relations with India, people in Pakistan are expecting that the prices of sacrificial animals will come down this year.

Last year, sacrificial animals were beyond the reach of middle class. They just thought about purchasing an animal, but the exorbitant prices either did not allow them to buy a goat or to share with others to fulfil their religious obligation by sacrificing cows.

This year it was expected that the prices would come down to a reasonable level, especially for cows, providing a chance to the faithfuls to fulfil their religious obligations.

Meanwhile, local animal sellers are also happy over the normalisation of ties between Pakistan and India, hoping to bring cows from India.

They, however, expect an unusual fall in the prices of cows.

This trend, hopefully, would propel the faithfuls to buy a cow instead of a goat.

The pattern may ease the goat prices, as last year a goat of 10 to 15 kilograms was available between Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,000. A good-sized goat was easily available at a price ranging between Rs 6,000 and Rs 8,000.

As against the previous years' prices, people are expecting that this year they would be able to buy a goat within a range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 4000.

Naturally, camels and sheep prices might depict modest fall in the rates.

Courtesy Business Recorder