The men in orange

Dawn.com Published July 12, 2011

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I once read that porters were “commonly used as human ‘beasts of burden’ in the ancient world.” That description rings true when one frequents railway stations in the sub continent where they are still largely employed to carry our load when we travel. Porters in this part of the world are commonly referred to as ‘coolies’ and carry an unimaginable amount of luggage while transporting them to their customers’ cabins. This photo essay focuses on the porters at the Karachi Cantt Railway Station. – Text and photos by Madeeha Syed

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Rao

Jul 12, 2011 04:58pm

Same picture you find in any big city in India too. So take it easy. fellows.

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Ms K

Jul 12, 2011 07:53pm

they are carrying tooo much !! there should be some weight limit like we have on all airports . per bag it should not exceed more then 25 Kg,,, its inhumane to let someone carry so much weight

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naveed

Jul 12, 2011 10:18pm

Thanks for the writer and the photographer for such pictures. Good job done.

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Sphrrr

Jul 12, 2011 11:15pm

Ever heard of luggage carts?? When is Pakistan join the rest of the world???

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sharma

Jul 13, 2011 02:31am

This is wrong criticism. Atleast these guys are earning a decent living and not killing for money. To not have these kulis we have to evolve economically. No use shedding crocodile tears. rather they should be regularised and their minimum wages settled by llaw.

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tariq

Jul 13, 2011 12:49pm

Dear Madeeha Syed - good photo story. i always miss the textual support that is needed with these excellent photos. Some quotes by subjects themselves who you go so close to but instead of theirs you use your own lens on things... if i were the you i would definitely have mentioned Amitabh's Coolie bcz talk of the coolies in the subcontinent is never complete without talking about the Film. tariq

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Shri

Jul 13, 2011 01:14pm

Just goes to show the inherent similarity between us Indians and Pakistanis. So many things to share, so much in common. I am sure I wont feel a thing if I wake up in Karachi one morning in stead of Mumbai!!

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sohail anjum

Jul 13, 2011 04:59pm

These porters which are referred as " Coolies" are a part of our society, but which could only be seen while traveling rarely, who just not carry the bulky luggages but also in a competition with each other to earn some more money , they do not care about what so ever they are carrying by putting their health in danger

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