By: Rachel Sammar
In early June 2024, Pakistan’s serene villages and cities were jolted by a series of violent incidents against animals, igniting widespread national outrage. The peaceful streets, usually alive with children’s laughter and neighborly chatter, became scenes of brutality that stirred the entire nation.
The initial incident drawing significant attention was the systematic extermination of stray dogs in multiple cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Authorities cited public health concerns, particularly the spread of rabies, as justification for the mass killings. However, the scale and methods employed—such as the distribution of poisoned meat—provoked a fierce backlash from animal rights activists and the public. Witnesses reported seeing the bodies of dogs scattered across parks, alleys, and streets, leading to protests demanding more humane solutions such as vaccination, sterilization, and awareness programs.
As the country grappled with the fallout from the dog killings, another disturbing incident emerged from a remote village in Punjab province. A landlord named Aslam Khan, in a dispute with a poor villager, ordered his men to maim the villager’s camel by severing one of its legs. The camel, which had wandered into Khan’s fields out of hunger, became an unwitting victim of this act of cruelty. The camel’s cries of pain resonated throughout the village, leaving residents horrified and helpless.
News of this atrocity spread rapidly, capturing the attention of media outlets and animal rights organizations. The Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) intervened, rescuing the injured camel, now named “Shaheen,” symbolizing resilience and hope. PAWS provided medical care and a safe haven for Shaheen.
The images and stories of the slain dogs and the maimed camel galvanized public sentiment, leading to widespread condemnation from citizens, activists, and public figures, including celebrities and religious leaders. Social media became a platform for vigorous debate and demands for justice and systemic change.
Despite the public outcry, the government’s response has been slow. The tragic events of June 2024 have highlighted the urgent need for improved animal welfare laws and enforcement in Pakistan. The incidents have served as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and respect towards all living beings, sparking a nationwide movement for change.