Bahistis Exist Even Today!

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: They are called ‘Bahistis’ and the closest translation to this word is ‘the one who resides in heaven’. Entrusted with the task of quenching their thirst, they were considered the life saviours in the past and the history of this water cask dates back to Pharoh and even before.

These two gentlemen are at a place that hosts the most elite of the elite, ‘Lahore Polo Ground’, and what is happening there and how these two happen to be there, this scribe leaves to the readers’ imagination.

The two individuals are grim-faced and wear vests depicting that they either work for the municipality or just happen to be there with water for people who are thirsty.

This scribe has been looking for these people for years as this profession is also one of the oldest in human civilization, and photographer Malik Sajjad made no delay in capturing the moment.

The animal hide is dried and then sewn to make a vessel that holds water. The presence of these two individuals also shows the extremes in Pakistani society, where a nation with nuclear capability also has people who have nothing but these water casks to store water.

There are many localities in Lahore where water, electricity and gas are not provided, and these individuals are the lifeline for many who have no means to go out and fetch water. How many litres it can carry is not known but the weight is carried on its back to make the facility available for people who need it.

The extremes in Pakistan should be taken into account as the policymakers are ditching the lower income strata that have meagre means and leaving them with water casks. Are these people included in the national mainstream? That is the question this scribe leaves for the policymakers.

The shabby dress and worn-out slippers show otherwise!

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

Photo Credit: Malik Sajjad