KARACHI: Eid-ul-Adha is projected to be a key catalyst for Pakistan’s economic growth, with total commercial activity expected to reach between Rs 1,000 billion and Rs 1,100 billion in 2026, industry sources suggest.
A report from the Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers Association reveals that approximately 7.2 million animals were sacrificed during Eid-ul-Adha in 2025, and this number is forecasted to increase slightly to around 7.3 million in 2026.
In the previous year, the sacrifices included roughly 3.028 million cattle (cows and bulls), 3.582 million goats, 4.54 million sheep, 2.87 million buffaloes, and over 67,000 camels, illustrating the scale of the ritual and its economic impact across the nation.
Experts estimate that nearly Rs 900 billion to Rs 950 billion is spent on purchasing sacrificial animals alone, which converts to approximately $4 billion in US dollar terms. Beyond livestock purchases, significant expenditure is also projected in related sectors such as decoration, transportation, and animal feed, amounting to an additional Rs 35 billion to Rs 40 billion.
The butchery industry is expected to generate substantial earnings, with slaughterhouse services alone projected to bring in around Rs 50 billion in 2026. Additionally, the collection and sale of hides are anticipated to contribute approximately Rs 8 billion during the Eid period.
Economists emphasize that Eid-ul-Adha is more than a religious observance; it plays a vital role in energizing the livestock markets, trade networks, logistics chains, and small businesses nationwide.
Economic analyst Atiq-ur-Rehman noted that the buying and selling activities during Eid reach their peak, making it one of the most influential seasonal economic events in Pakistan’s calendar.
