My Visit to Shahpur Kanjran Mandi 2025 – Bakra Prices Sky High!

Yesterday, I visited Shahpur Kanjran Mandi in Lahore with the intention of buying a Bakra for Eid ul Azha Qurbani – but let me tell you, the scene there was nothing short of shocking!

As soon as I stepped in, it was clear that livestock prices this year have skyrocketed. Whether you’re looking for a Bakra, Kajla Chhitta (Kajra Chatra), or Cow, be prepared to stretch your budget a lot more than expected.


💸 Bakra Prices: Through the Roof!

I had my eyes on a medium-sized, healthy Bakra — something decent for Qurbani without being too extravagant. But to my surprise, even average-sized Bakray were starting from PKR 90,000 and going well above PKR 140,000. A good breed with symmetrical horns and proper teeth was almost unaffordable for the common man.

Some sellers justified the prices by claiming increased fodder costs and transport expenses, while others simply smiled and said, “Janab demand zyada hai, qurbani ka waqt hai!


🐐 Kajla Chhitta: Beauty With a Price Tag

Now, coming to the beloved Kajla Chatra – the eye-catching black and white goats everyone seems to love. The prices for Kajla goats were jaw-dropping. A decent Kajla started from PKR 120,000 and some “showpiece” ones were being quoted at over PKR 200,000!

They were beautiful, no doubt, and many were well-fed and active — but the question remains: are they worth the price?


🐄 Cow Prices – Not for the Faint-Hearted

For those who prefer cows for collective Qurbani, prices were equally alarming. A 2-3 person share cow was being quoted at PKR 300,000 to 400,000, depending on breed and size. Full-sized, healthy cows meant for 6-7 shares were going as high as PKR 800,000 or more.


📝 My Advice to Buyers

If you’re planning to visit any mandi soon, especially Shahpur Kanjran or other big ones in Lahore or Karachi, go well-prepared and informed. The market is unpredictable, and bargaining is a must.

📌 Before you buy any animal, I highly recommend reading this detailed guide first:
👉 Guide to Buying a Healthy Qurbani Animal in Pakistan

It explains what signs to look for in a healthy animal, how to check its age and teeth, and how to avoid common scams. This guide saved me from making a few bad decisions at the mandi!


Final Thoughts

Eid ul Azha is about sacrifice and sincerity — but the way prices are going up every year, Qurbani is becoming a financial challenge for many. If you're planning to buy in the next few days, may Allah make it easy for you.

And please, don’t forget to do your homework before heading to the mandi — it’ll save you both money and stress.


Have you visited any mandi yet? Share your experience in the comments below!

Importance of ATS-Friendly CV for Employees in Today’s Job Market

 It's more difficult than ever to get your CV in front of a recruiter in today's digital job market. Why? Because most businesses employ something known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — software that sifts and sorts CVs before a human ever lays eyes on them.

So, even if you're the ideal candidate for a job, your application could be rejected by the computer automatically if your CV is not ATS-friendly.

So, what is an ATS-friendly CV, and why is it so important? Let's have a breakdown.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is computer software that employers utilize to screen, filter, and rank job applications according to keywords and layouts for employment. It assists firms in saving time by automatically shortlisting the most qualified applicants.

Why Your CV Must Be ATS-Friendly

1. You Might Never Reach a Human Recruiter

If your CV is not ATS-readable, it's tossed aside.

More than 75% of recruiters rely on ATS — this is no longer optional.

2. Keywords Matter

ATS seeks job-related keywords (such as "data analysis," "sales strategy," or "customer support").

If your CV doesn't have those, it receives a low score — even if you possess the qualifications.

3. Fancy Designs Can Work Against You

Most job applicants employ innovative templates with graphics or tables, but ATS is not always able to read them correctly.

Clean and minimalistic formatting is ideal.

4. Boosts Your Interview Prospects

An optimized CV ensures your skills and experience are actually noticed by recruiters.

This can be the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked.

Master Tips for Creating an ATS-Friendly CV

  • Apply conventional job titles and concise headings such as Education, Work Experience, Skills.
  • Avoid charts, graphs, tables, and text boxes.
  • Save your CV in .docx or PDF (but ensure it's readable).
  • Highlight achievements using bullet points.
  • Tailor your CV by incorporating keywords from the job posting.

Real-Life Example:

Two candidates with equal experience, both applying for a digital marketing position:

  • Candidate A employs a fashionable CV with icons and graphs, no keywords.
  • Candidate B employs a lean, keyword-rich CV that ATS can seamlessly scan.

Result? Candidate B is shortlisted. Candidate A is rejected — by a machine, not a human.

Last Thoughts

In a competitive job market such as Pakistan — particularly in urban centers such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad — an ATS-optimized CV is no longer an added advantage, it's a requirement. Whether you're applying for local or international jobs, your first step is to ensure your CV makes it through the digital gatekeeper.

Related: Find Urgent Driver Jobs in DHA Lahore

If you're committed to your professional life, invest some time in ATS-optimizing your CV. It may unlock the door to your next career move.

Best Career Options for Pakistani Students in 2025

 With the constantly shifting career landscape of the contemporary era, Pakistani students face the challenge of selecting a professional field with long-term security, a strong earning potential, and opportunities in Pakistan and worldwide. If you are graduating or recently graduated, matching passion and demand in the sector is also essential.

Here are the top career fields that are most needed Pakistani students have to take extremely seriously in 2025 and beyond.


1. Information Technology & Software Development

The IT sector remains one of the fastest-growing industries globally and in Pakistan. Skills in programming, software development, data science, and AI can translate into high-paying local and international employment opportunities.

Why IT?

  • Freelancing prospects with great earning potential
  • Remote work opportunities
  • International demand


2. Healthcare & Medical Services

Medical professionals are still in great demand, especially in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and Gulf countries. MBBS alumni, nurses, and allied health professionals can set up excellent careers in Pakistan or migrate to greener pastures.

Most sought-after jobs:

  • General Practitioner
  • Medical Technologist
  • Healthcare Administrator

3. Digital Marketing & E-Commerce

As the world becomes more digital, businesses are giving more importance to their online presence. This has created huge demand for skilled professionals in SEO, PPC, email marketing, and social media management.

Hot niches:

  • Content Marketing
  • Influencer Campaigns
  • Shopify & Amazon Store Management


4. Engineering (Specifically Renewable Energy & Civil)

Engineering is a conventional career choice, but modern-day students need to think about renewable energy, environmental, and civil engineering — disciplines that are growing due to global sustainability efforts and Pakistan's urbanization.

Growing demand for:

  • Solar Technicians
  • Infrastructure Engineers
  • Energy Consultants


5. Finance & Accounting

Finance remains a strong platform for career growth. ACCA, CA, and CFA qualifications provide access to lucrative careers in auditing, investment banking, and corporate finance.

Top career choices:

  • Chartered Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Risk Management Consultant


Final Thoughts

Career choice in 2025 is all about looking ahead, following the trends in the job market, and gaining hands-on skills that make you stand out. Whether you want to work in Pakistan or pursue foreign job opportunities, the right career has the power to transform your future.

For an in-depth look at the top professions Pakistani students should choose, check out this insightful guide published on Australian News Network — a valuable resource for students planning their next move.

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