Perween Rahman was a huge animal lover with a soft spot for homeless strays. She was also very helpful to PAWS and a mentor we looked to for guidance. Furthermore, she had offered to help us set up a humane stray dog management pilot project in Orangi.
On March 13th this year she was murdered by armed assailants when returning home from work. Her death is a tragic loss to humanity and a big blow for PAWS, both personally and professionally. However we are encouraged by her example to work relentlessly and undeterred by obstacles, and her immense optimism that could find reason for hope in the most dismal situation, thereby turning it around.
We request our well-wishers to please support Perween’s Justice page and help spread the word. Do ‘like’ it and share with friends, family and colleagues.
“Why waste time on animal rights when humans don’t get their rights here?” is the usual response to the idea of animal welfare or animal rights in Pakistan. Meanwhile, animal lovers and activists strive to change the mindset that makes both these issues mutually exclusive.
Karachi: In a city rife with political violence and terrorism, animal welfare often takes a backseat. But six years ago, Mahera Omar and Maheen Zia decided to take things into their own hands, or rather, their own PAWS.