Noor Jehan: Light of World Fading Away!

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Noor Jehan, ‘Light of the world’ in its literal meaning, is fading away and the efforts that are being made seems very little or next to nothing.

She is very sick and seeks support to get back on her feet. Her hind legs are immobilized and it cringes the hearts of the people to see such a majestic animal in agony.

How it happened is a story that spans decades. The mind-set of the individuals who capitalised on and thrived on these creatures, but never did a thing that should bring relief to them.

How many animals have died in zoos and how many millions were made on their dead carcasses is story that will unfold in time. The giraffes and ostriches in the zoo all met a fate that leaves big question marks.

The wrong people at the wrong place are the true cause behind these tragic happenings all over Pakistan, as when relocating the lions on court orders and their subsequent deaths, details the incompetency of the individuals who made their way into the facilities with no empathy for the animals.

A suggestion did come up when the lions died as whosoever in the zoo deals with these creatures should pass the ‘acceptance test from the animal’. These appointees are there without any merit and without any knowledge, and no wonder people with money own private zoos and their businesses thrive while the national treasures dwindled.

Elephant Kaavan fought for years and was finally free after three decades. Kaavan was a presidential gift from Sri Lanka; it was pardoned by President Alvi for his final home, an elephant sanctuary in Cambodia.

Kaavan’s case caused an international uproar and United States singer Cher led his release campaign, which also took many years and also details how complicated and unfriendly a system exists in Pakistan.

It is somehow beyond comprehension as to why state officials need this negative publicity. Why can’t they resolve the issue from the beginning? Why should their callousness make the creature suffer?

The dilemma of the rare white lion is not forgotten; he died as a skeleton and the world witnessed as he breathed his last. Horrifying stories of animal abuse happen in these zoos and creatures have spent decades in captivity. The plight of the Cassowary in Lahore spans over half a century and those who witnessed the bird as child are now taking their grandchildren to see the bird, which has an unmarked resilience and refused to die at the hands of its captors.

Stealing animal food is a very old accusation and there are many contractors who have pending bills besides the ‘elite’ who, for their taste-buds, make exotic aphrodisiac dishes resulting in missing birds from these facilities.

At present, there is a lot of paperwork involving Noor Jehan and her well-being. How long it will take is a question that nobody can answer. Whether she lives up to her name, as in ‘light’ or it ‘fades away’, only time will tell.