On Animal Markets.

The decision of the Punjab government to not set up sacrificial animal's markets in cities before Eid-ul-Azha is appreciable. The provincial government made the right decision, given COVID-19 continues to rage almost uncontrollably in the province and beyond. While the government has decided against establishing these markets within the city limits, shifting the bazaars outside the city does not offer much protection against the virus either.

Due to COVID-19, the Saudi government is not allowing outsider pilgrims to perform Hajj. Likewise, the provinces can also go against tradition given the prevailing situation. The other provinces should follow Punjab, which has imposed a ban on animal markets within city limits. This is the least other federating units can do.

Perhaps there are means and methods to sidestep the animal markets concept in its entirety. A better way than simply moving them outside the city is to establish an online set up for buying and making sacrifices of animals. This way, the government can contain unnecessary movement, which can result in further spread of the virus. We already know the growing use of online marketing for sacrificial purposes in urban...