by The Government of Punjab has approved the development of a state‑of‑the‑art model cattle market in Shahpur Kanjran, Lahore, aiming to replace the overburdened existing facility on Multan Road and modernize the livestock trade in the region.
📍 Why the Move Matters
- The current cattle market spans 72 acres and sits in a densely urbanized area, leading to severe traffic congestion and operational issues due to lack of modern facilities.
- Encroaching development around the site has restricted scalability, making trade inefficient.
🔧 Project Overview
- Location: Shahpur Kanjran, near the southern loop III of Lahore Ring Road.
- Cost & Funding: Estimated at PKR 4.5 billion, covering land and construction. Development is proceeding under a Build‑Operate‑Transfer (BOT) model.
- Timeline: Ground broken in November 2024, with expected completion within six months.
- Contractor: Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), chosen for transparency and quality standards.
🏗️ Modern Features & Infrastructure
The new market is designed with modern amenities to support traders, buyers, and livestock:
- Animal Support: Permanent sheds, quarantine center, veterinary clinic, fans inside enclosures to mitigate heat.
- Commercial Facilities: Auction rings, administrative blocks, trader hotels, shops, ATM, and bank services.
- Public Convenience: Mosques, restrooms, shaded pedestrian pathways, parking for cars and trucks, loading zones, and security booths.
- Govt Planning on a New Cattle Market in Lahore.
📈 Scale & Economic Impact
- Physical Size: At around 72–74 acres, accommodating up to 25,000 large and 150,000 small animals.
- Trade Volume: Weekly throughput expected at 12,000–15,000 large ruminants and 30,000–35,000 small ruminants.
- Economic Outcomes:
- Construction-phase cost: ~PKR 4.5 billion
- Annual Government revenue FY 2024–25: ~PKR 1.99 billion
- Estimated annual trade value across Punjab markets: PKR 364 billion
- Directly impacts ~200,000 rural families altogether.
🌟 Broader Significance
- Livestock Trade Modernization: This model-market initiative is part of a broader modernization drive by PCMMDC, including an electronic bidding portal and digital auctions across Punjab.
- Exports & Foreign Exchange: Improved infrastructure sets the stage for boosting Pakistan’s meat export potential, contributing to foreign‑exchange earnings
- Social & Rural Impact: The markets support livelihoods for hundreds of thousands in rural areas, uplifting smallholder traders and farmers
📅 Looking Ahead
- Jhang City Market: A smaller but similarly modern cattle market is under development near Jhang, expected to further expand trade infrastructure.
- Province-wide Expansion: PCMMDC plans dozens more model markets across Punjab, with over 600 acres of land under acquisition and future construction in process.
🧾 In Summary
The new model cattle market at Shahpur Kanjran marks a turning point for Lahore’s livestock trading sector. With modern design, transparent operations, and economic inclusion, this project is poised to enhance animal welfare, improve public convenience, and uplift rural economies. It represents Punjab’s broader vision to modernize agricultural markets, bolster exports, and build infrastructure aligned with international standards.
