Punjab has started a big and important project to improve how animals are bought and sold. The government has opened a new and modern cattle market in Shahpur Kanjran, Lahore. It is now the largest model cattle market in Pakistan. This market is made to help farmers, animal traders and buyers by giving them a clean and well managed, and organized place to do business.
Before this, most cattle markets in the country were not properly planned. They had problems like poor hygiene, no proper shelters for animals and no facilities for traders. But this new market changes all that. It covers 74 acres of land, which is a huge area, and it can hold thousands of large and small animals at the same time.
The market was officially opened by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. It is a part of her plan to modernize important sectors in Punjab. This new model cattle market is not only large, but it also comes with modern services like animal health checkups, shaded sheds, clean water, security, proper loading zones and even a bank and ATM. This step is expected to bring a big change in the livestock trading system in Punjab and set a great example for other provinces in Pakistan.
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Pakistan’s Largest Livestock Market Sets New Standards in Punjab
Livestock is a big part of Pakistan’s economy, especially for farmers and traders in rural areas. This new market is designed with modern facilities, better animal care and organized trading methods. Let’s discuss its establishment in more detail.
Huge Capacity to Handle Thousands of Animals
These markets mostly lacked proper facilities for animals and traders. Animals had to stand in open areas under the hot sun. There was little cleanliness and there were no proper places for buying, selling or even checking the animals health. Because of these problems, both sellers and buyers faced difficulties, and animals often suffered due to heat, overcrowding and poor care.
This market is the biggest and most modern cattle market in Pakistan. Spread over 74 acres of land, it has been specially designed to handle a large number of animals in an organized and clean environment. It can accommodate 25,000 large animals like cows and buffaloes and up to 150,000 small animals such as goats and sheep at a time.
What makes this market truly special is its advanced planning. The market has 20 big sheds for large animals, and each shed is equipped with electric fans. It is something that has never been done before in any cattle market in the country.
Advanced Facilities for Traders and Buyers
This is not just a regular cattle market. It has been designed with care to provide a clean, organized and comfortable experience for both traders and buyers. The goal is to improve the overall livestock business by offering modern services never seen before in traditional markets. Here is a closer look at the key facilities.
Quarantine Center
It has a fully equipped quarantine zone has been built inside the market to stop the spread of diseases among animals. If any animal appears sick or unfit, it can be kept in this separate area to avoid infecting other animals. This is a very important step for animal health and public safety especially before Eid when the market gets crowded.
Veterinary Clinic
The market has a dedicated veterinary clinic with qualified animal doctors on-site. These vets can provide health checkups, treatments and vaccinations for animals brought in for sale. This ensures that only healthy animals are traded and buyers get peace of mind knowing their animal is free from disease or injury.
Trader Accommodation
For the first time in Pakistan, the market offers 20 residential rooms for traders who come from far off areas and need a place to stay. These rooms provide a safe and clean place to rest. This helps traders manage their business without having to rush back home or sleep in uncomfortable conditions like in their trucks or next to their animals.
Essential Facilities
The market includes all the basic services needed for a full day’s work. There is a mosque for offering prayers, restrooms for cleanliness and hygiene, tuck shop for food and snacks and even a bank with an ATM to help traders withdraw or deposit money easily. These small but important facilities make daily operations much smoother and more convenient.
Loading and Transport Areas
Special truck zones have been made for loading and unloading animals. This makes the process more organized and prevents animals from getting injured or stressed. There are wiade roads, proper parking spaces and clearly marked zones. This reduce traffic problems inside the market and make it easier for large vehicles to move around.
Modern Slaughterhouse and Auction Bay
The market includes a modern slaughterhouse for meat suppliers. Here animals can be processed in a clean and professional environment. There is also an auction bay where animals can be bought and sold through open bidding. This transparent system helps both sellers and buyers get fair prices. This all adds trust and efficiency to the trading process.
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Why This Market Matters in Pakitani Community?
The Shahpur Kanjran Model Cattle Market is not just a new construction project. It is a big step forward for Pakistan’s livestock sector. It brings multiple benefits for farmers, traders, animals and the economy.
Supports the Farming Community
Livestock is a major source of income for farmers in Punjab and across Pakistan. In traditional cattle markets, farmers mostly faced unfair pricing, middlemen who took advantage and a lack of proper selling platforms. This new market gives farmers direct access to buyers in a clean environment.
Improves Animal Welfare
Animal health and comfort were ignored in older markets. Animals were kept in crowded areas, under the open sun, without clean water or medical attention. In contrast, this model cattle market focuses on animal welfare as a priority.
Promotes Economic Growth
Livestock is a key part of Pakistan’s economy, especially in rural areas. By making livestock trade easier, more organized and trustworthy, this market helps grow the local economy. When farmers and traders earn more, they invest more in their businesses and communities. The market also creates new job opportunities for people like veterinary staff, cleaners, shopkeepers, and transporters.
Boosts Digital and Modern Practices
One of the biggest achievements of this market is how it brings modern technology and structure into an old and mostly informal system. Facilities like a bank, ATM, auction system, digital record keeping and organized truck zones are a big upgrade.
Comparison Of Traditional Cattle Market and Shahpur Kanjran Model Market
| Feature | Traditional Market | Shahpur Kanjran Model Market |
| Animal Health Checkups | Rare or absent | Regular vet care and quarantine system |
| Comfort for Animals | Open sun and no sheds | Covered sheds with fans |
| Hygiene and Cleanliness | Poor | Clean and well-managed |
| Facilities for Traders | Usually none | Rooms, mosque, restrooms |
| Organized Auctions | Informal and unfair pricing | Transparent auction bay |
| Loading/Unloading Areas | Disorganized, risky | Proper truck zones |
| Banks and ATM | Not available | Available on-site |
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Final Words
The Shahpur Kanjran Model Cattle Market is not just a new place to buy and sell animals.
It represents a major transformation in Pakistan’s livestock trade. For decades, farmers and traders
have had to deal with overcrowded, unsanitary cattle markets lacking basic facilities.
This new model market in Lahore is a clear sign that the government is committed to improving
conditions for everyone involved—including the animals.
This initiative sets a benchmark for other cities to emulate. If more such markets are established
nationwide, it will boost the livestock sector, help farmers increase their income, and ultimately
contribute to the national economy.
About the Author: Sana Noureen
