Crying Camel Calls For Justice

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: The soul of a nation has been shaken to its core by a tragic incident involving a crying camel, whose front leg was cruelly severed by a heartless landlord. 

On a momentous Friday, as millions of Muslims listened to the profound Hajj sermon, this gentle creature dared to trespass the property of a merciless human, nibbling a few mouthfuls of food, unaware of the horrific fate that awaited it.

In a gut-wrenching act of brutality, the docile and trusting camel was trapped and mutilated. The haunting image of the camel, tears streaming from its eyes, and its leg grotesquely missing, has circulated globally, evoking a profound sense of sorrow and outrage.

This image has become a powerful symbol of the cruelty and injustice that animals often face at the hands of humans.

The story of the female camel resonates deeply within all major faiths, as divine scriptures reference the tale of a mother camel and her calf, who faced similar brutality.

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The mother camel was mercilessly killed, and the calf’s screams echoed through the desert.

The scriptures remain silent on the calf’s fate, but divine retribution was said to befall those responsible for the mother’s death.

In Sanghar, a district in Sindh, Pakistan, the injured camel belonged to Soomar Behan, a poor peasant. With a heavy heart and tears in his eyes, Behan took the suffering camel to the local press club, narrating the ordeal.

 Behan’s refusal to identify the perpetrator stems from a deep fear for his life. The entire village is aware of the landlord’s cruelty, but fear silences them all, a tragic testament to the pervasive power of fear and injustice.

A local nonprofit organization has since taken the camel under its care, treating its grievous wound. The latest update brings a glimmer of hope: the camel has begun to eat again, a small but significant step towards recovery.

However, this incident underscores a broader issue: the systemic neglect and abuse of animals in Pakistan, where such acts often go unpunished.

This tragedy calls to mind the story of Kaavan, an elephant who endured decades of suffering in Pakistan before being rescued and relocated to a sanctuary in Cambodia, thanks to the efforts of US icon Cher and a presidential pardon.

The plight of Kaavan captivated the world, highlighting the dire conditions faced by many animals in Pakistan.

The killing of lions by zoo staff during transportation further exemplifies the incompetence and cruelty that pervade animal care in the country.

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Such incidents raise critical questions about the authorities’ ability to protect and care for these voiceless creatures, who suffer silently under their stewardship.

It is time for a fundamental change. Authorities must implement stringent measures to protect animals and prevent such cruelty.

The heartbreaking stories of these innocent beings not only tarnish the nation’s reputation but also reflect a broader societal failure.

As half the population struggles below the poverty line, their plight mirrors that of the mistreated animals, both crying out for compassion and justice.

This incident is not just a call for action; it is a moral imperative. Rising above indifference and take concrete steps to ensure that no animal suffers such brutality again.

Only then a glimmer of hope  can create a society that truly values and respects all living beings.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit: Anonymous Source