Qurbani Aik Ehsass: Meet Karachi's 'Sikandar' and 'Sultant'

A family involved in livestock rearing has described the deeply emotional attachment they develop with animals raised for seasonal sacrifice.

Dialogue Pakistan, under its initiative Qurbani Aik Ehsaas is bringing out a number of stories related to the emotional attachment with the sacrificial animals. 

In the latest episode, a family, which has been raising animals since childhood, operates within a cattle farm setting associated with the Karachi dairy sector.

The woman explained that their practice is not limited to commercial purchase for slaughter; rather, animals are selected in advance and raised over an extended period under structured care.

Typically, the animals are brought to the facility two to three months prior to the sacrificial season.

During this period, they receive regular feeding, grooming, and medical attention when required. The caretakers emphasise that each animal is monitored closely, with particular focus on health, diet, and overall wellbeing.

The woman further said that over time, individual animals become recognisable not only by appearance but also by behaviour and temperament.

"Some are described as calm and affectionate, responding readily to human interaction, while others display more assertive or aggressive behaviour." 

The family notes that emotional attachment is an unavoidable outcome of such close contact. As the sacrificial period approaches, they report increased emotional sensitivity, describing the experience of preparing for separation as particularly difficult.

Veterinary care and medication are administered whenever necessary, especially when animals show signs of illness or discomfort. The caretakers maintain that ensuring the health of the animals remains a priority throughout the rearing cycle.

While acknowledging the emotional challenge of parting with animals they have raised, the woman framesd the practice within a broader cultural and religious context, describing sacrifice as an act that inherently involves giving up something one has grown attached to.