Police across Punjab have been placed on high alert as the sale and purchase of sacrificial animals peaks ahead of Eid Al Adha, with crowds rushing to cattle markets, authorities said on Sunday.

According to officials, more than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure 222 cattle markets across the province, with additional measures in place to ensure the safety of buyers and traders.

The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police has ordered action against illegal cattle markets and unauthorised sale points, while also directing officials to implement an effective patrol plan to curb criminal activity.

In Lahore, over 600 police personnel have been deployed at six designated cattle markets.

Police Response Units and patrol teams have also been activated around these sites to maintain security.

Officials said comprehensive security arrangements have been made for traders and buyers, and only officially approved cattle markets are allowed to operate.

In Sheikhupura, 150 personnel have been assigned to 23 cattle markets, while 525 officers are deployed across 44 markets in the Gujranwala region.

In Rawalpindi, more than 340 police personnel have been deployed to secure 22 cattle markets, and in Sargodha, 170 officers are on duty at 22 locations.

In Faisalabad, over 538 police personnel will provide security at 19 cattle markets, while in Multan, around 480 officers are providing security at 20 markets.

In Sahiwal, over 230 personnel have been deployed across 11 cattle markets, while in Bahawalpur, more than 410 officers have been assigned to 29 markets.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, over 210 personnel have been deployed to provide security at 26 cattle markets.