Prosthetic for mutilated camel will be manufactured in Pakistan: Ex-PPP MPA

Former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Member of Provincial Assembly, Samita Afzal Syed, speaking with The Express Tribune, announced that a prosthetic leg for the mutilated camel in Sanghar would be both manufactured and fitted entirely within Pakistan.

Emphasising the competence of local manufacturers and veterinarians, she affirmed the country's capacity to address such medical needs independently.

Addressing rumours circulating on social media about India's involvement in providing the prosthetic, Syed categorically denied these claims, asserting Pakistan's self-sufficiency in this endeavour.

Incident and arrests

At least five individuals have been arrested in connection with the brutal amputation of a camel’s leg in the Mundh Jamrao area of Sindh’s Sanghar district. The incident, which occurred on 14 June, sparked widespread outrage and condemnation after footage of the act surfaced on social media.

The camel had wandered into an agricultural field, inciting the landlord and his employees to react violently.

Reports indicate that the group tortured the animal before using a sharp tool to sever its leg. Initially, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unknown individuals, but later, five suspects were arrested, with two confessing to the crime.

Public and official response

The video of the incident, showing the camel in severe distress, led to protests at the Sanghar Press Club and a strong public outcry. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ijaz confirmed the arrests, and Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori announced plans to provide two camels to the owner of the injured animal.

PPP MNA Shazia Atta Marri stated that the police had arrested those involved and filed an FIR. She also noted that both parties had reached a compromise, and the camel was receiving medical care.

However, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah took serious notice of the incident, leading to further arrests. PPP's Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasised that, despite the compromise, the state had lodged the FIR due to the inhuman nature of the act.

Medical care and rehabilitation

The injured camel has been transferred to an animal shelter in Karachi for medical treatment.

Ex-PPP leader Samita Afzal Syed reported that the camel is now feeling at ease and will undergo comprehensive treatment, including the fitting of a prosthetic leg.

Sanghar Deputy Commissioner Imranul Hassan Khawaja confirmed that the camel would soon receive an artificial leg.

Sarah Jahangir, Director of the CDRS Benji Project, which is currently sheltering the camel, stated that the animal’s condition is now stable. Jahangir noted the exceptional severity of this case, comparing it to other instances of animal abuse the organisation has handled.

She confirmed that the camel would remain with the non-profit organisation permanently, as the original owner is not equipped to care for a disabled camel.