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