APMEPA Urges Punjab Authorities to Curb Rising Robberies in Cattle Markets
The All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA) has called on Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, IG Punjab Usman Anwar, and Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chatha to put an end to the rising robberies in cattle markets. They termed it the “dacoity rule” prevailing in cattle markets across the province.
Addressing a press conference, APMEPA Chairman Mian Abdul Hanan, Senior Vice Chairman Syed Hassan Raza, Vice Chairman Nawaz Dogar, and other office-bearers expressed serious concern over the increasing number of armed robberies targeting livestock traders. They revealed that during the year 2025 alone, traders were deprived of approximately Rs 9.6 million at gunpoint in cattle markets established across Punjab. Despite the timely registration of FIRs, they noted, the police have so far failed to identify or apprehend the perpetrators.
Robbery in Shahpur Kanjran Mandi, Lahore
Highlighting a recent high-profile incident, the association stated that three days earlier, at around 9:30 am in Shahpur Kanjran, Lahore, robbers allegedly snatched Rs 30 million from traders in broad daylight inside the Model Cattle Market, even as hundreds of people were present. Although the victims called the police helpline 15 and pursued the robbers themselves, no police assistance arrived. APMEPA added that despite the availability of CCTV cameras installed at various entry points to the city, the suspects remain untraceable.
All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA)
Robberies in Cattle Markets: A Threat to Meat Export Sector
The All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association representatives said that repeated armed robberies throughout 2025 have created widespread fear among traders, who are now hesitant to visit cattle markets. APMEPA appealed to the Chief Minister and the IG Punjab to transfer the investigation of the Shahpur Kanjran robbery to the CCD, ensure the immediate arrest of the culprits, recover the stolen money, and bring the offenders to justice.
کراچی میں بھینسوں کا اغوا برائے تاوان، ایڈیشنل آئی جی سے ایکشن کا مطالبہ
Citing earlier incidents, the association warned that the continued lawlessness in cattle markets poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s meat export sector. Exporters and traders, they said, are increasingly reluctant to purchase animals under such unsafe conditions. APMEPA urged the government to restore security and purge cattle markets of criminal elements to safeguard the livestock trade and protect the country’s export potential.
