The Sindh government’s apparent indecision and muddled response to the question of setting up cattle markets ahead of EidulAzha has left many perplexed. A notification issued by the Sindh local government department on June 3 had allowed the establishment of cattle markets in the province, subject to pandemic-related standard operating procedures issued by the government. Following this, cattle markets, which thus far remained closed due to a lockdown, had opened and a surge was observed in the arrival of livestock. Meanwhile, arrangements for setting up a makeshift large-scale market on Super Highway, which is organised annually ahead of EidulAzha, also began. The market sees the arrival of sacrificial animals from across Sindh and even from outside the province for sale before EidulAzha. And now, the sale of animals at these markets is in full swing – with many visiting them, including the main market on the Super Highway – despite warnings that allowing cattle markets to operate could worsen the coronavirus pandemic. These warnings came from different quarters – including provincial ministers. Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had said that it was advised not to set up cattle markets this year and the local government minister had echoed these views. Moreover, Sindh Health Minister DrAzra Fazal Pechuho, in a video statement issued on June 27, expressed concerns that setting up cattle markets could cause the virus to spread faster. However, authorities, despite realising the risk, have allowed cattle markets to open, while issuing SOPs to be implemented.
