The Forgotten Experts Who Walk Our Streets

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Behind the street performances that attract passing glances lies a world of knowledge, patience and survival that society rarely acknowledges. These animal handlers move from street to street, carrying their animals, belongings and skills.

They have no permanent workplace, secure income or, often, a fixed address. Some days bring enough earnings to feed themselves and their animals. On others, even a meal is uncertain.

The man in this photograph walks through Lahore with a goat, a dog and two monkeys. Each animal is part of his livelihood. None is simply a burden.

Their performances earn money, while his ability to manage, train and understand them has been developed through years of practical experience. This is specialised knowledge acquired through patience, observation and close association with animals.

Yet these handlers remain among society’s most overlooked workers. Their expertise is rarely recognised, and their experience is allowed to disappear with every passing generation.

Pakistan has already witnessed the international consequences of failing to recognise professional animal-handling skills. During the court-ordered relocation of animals from Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo in 2020, inexperienced staff set fire to the lions’ enclosure to force the animals into transport cages.

The lions suffered burns and smoke inhalation, and both died. Disturbing footage of the incident made international headlines and exposed a shocking failure of animal care. 

The plight of Kaavan, the elephant who spent 35 years in captivity at the same zoo, became another international story. His prolonged isolation and suffering attracted global attention and ultimately led to his relocation to a sanctuary in Cambodia in November 2020. 

This is where wildlife, livestock and animal welfare departments could reconsider their approach. Instead of overlooking these experienced people, authorities could assess their skills and offer them formal opportunities in animal rescue, handling, rehabilitation and welfare programmes.

With proper training, humane standards and supervision, their knowledge could become a valuable resource.

This is not a defence of every form of street performance or a reason to overlook animal welfare. It is an argument for recognising practical expertise and putting it to responsible use.

These men need more than sympathy. They need dignified work, basic protection and an opportunity to turn lifelong experience into a recognised profession.

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

Photo Credit: APP