Pakistan's True Animal Whisperers

Asem Mustafa Awan

Every day, men like this walk through our streets with animals that are central to their livelihood. A goat, a dog and two monkeys may attract curious glances, but behind the performance lies a lifetime of practical experience, patience and an understanding of animal behaviour. These are skills acquired through years of close association, not from textbooks or official titles.

Yet the people who possess this knowledge remain among society's most neglected workers. Many have no permanent address, secure income or social protection. Their earnings depend on the day's response, and even feeding themselves and their animals can become a daily struggle. Their experience rarely receives recognition from institutions responsible for animal welfare.

Pakistan has witnessed the consequences of failures in animal care. During the court-ordered relocation of animals from Islamabad's Marghazar Zoo in 2020, incompetent staff set fire to the lions' enclosure and used sticks to force the animals towards transport cages. Both lions died during the relocation. The disturbing incident made international headlines.

Kaavan, the elephant who spent 35 years at the same zoo, endured decades of captivity, isolation and suffering. His plight attracted worldwide attention before a court intervention and international campaign secured his relocation to a sanctuary in Cambodia.

These painful episodes raise an important question. Why does the country overlook people who have spent their lives understanding animals?

Wildlife, livestock and animal welfare departments could assess their abilities and offer suitable formal roles in animal rescue, handling, rehabilitation and welfare programmes. With proper training, humane standards and supervision, their practical knowledge could become a valuable resource.

They need more than sympathy. They deserve dignity, recognition and an opportunity to put their experience to meaningful use.

Pakistan does not lack people with practical knowledge. It too often lacks the vision to recognise their worth.