MUZAFFARABAD: The Muzaffarabad administration has imposed a ban on the transportation of livestock from the district to other parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

According to an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Mudasser Farooq, the absence of a formal livestock market in Muzaffarabad had led to price disparities in mutton and beef between the city and other areas, such as Rawalpindi.

The order noted that instead of selling meat at government-notified rates, local traders were transporting livestock outside AJK for sale, depriving Muzaffarabad residents of access to meat at officially fixed prices.

It warned that no individual should encourage or facilitate this practice, cautioning that violators would face legal action under Section 188 of the CrPC.

The ban would initially remain in effect for one month, the order said.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2025