By MJ
Having pets is considered as being one of those amazing and wholesome experiences which allow you to feel less stressed and be able to embrace empathy in life. This is why there was a definite boom in pets during the pandemic. People needed something to take their minds off the health turmoil the world was engulfed in. Pakistan was no exception. And while we may see the rise of posh pet stores in elite neighborhoods around the country, there is one specific bazaar of animals that have been around for decades. The Bird Market, located on College Road, Rawalpindi, pays homage to animals of various kinds. It is a popular destination for pet seekers. And while the name may suggest that the market is home to a variety of species of birds, that is far from the truth.
This haven for animal lovers consists of not just dogs of various breeds, but cats, as well as rabbits,fish, and a range of poultry animals and you may even be able to find something exotic if you are lucky enough. In our recent spree to this well-known market, we came to know that the shops on this long street have been in families for ages. Aftab Anwar, one of the vendors, said that he took it from his father who retired after turning 76. “This isn’t just a shop.
This work defines who we are. We are proud of the kind of quality options we provide and ensure our customers leave happy with healthy animals.” While the bazaar always seems to be busy with plenty of interested buyers walking through, on close examination, it is evident that many of the animals are kept in dire conditions. Tightly packed together in rusted cages, there is a stink that is undeniable. It is evident, especially when it comes to the dogs and cats, how they are suffering, with many being infected with skin conditions too. However, Aftab differs in the opinion that the animals are kept in bad condition. “These animals are always in high demand. You see them today but they will be gone in less than a week. Having to feed them costs us a lot and leaves just the break-even of our asking demand. Yet we do it so these animals are kept healthy”.
The bird market has been around for more than 30 years. But it was just 10-15 years ago when it expanded from being just a bird’s specialty. With more than 30 varieties of birds available, it was learned that the bazaar is now catering to not just end-users of families in need of pets. But it has become a hub for breeders to make easy money. While there was a time when top breeds of dogs and cats like Huskies, Pomeranians, and Siberians would be imported and sold, now families including the wives are completely committed to breeding them in-house. That means they will easily be purchasing pairs from the market and come back with offspring, being sold at high prices. And due to the rise in demand, these are being sold at high profits. One of the booming businesses of Pakistan, the famous College Road’s Bird Market is more than just getting your child a furry little companion.
