For an avid bird watcher, a trip to Empress Market’s bird bazaar would either be delightful or saddening. Every Sunday, thousands of Karachiites from all walks of life throng the bird market to purchase these birds. From exotic birds including peacocks to the twittering sparrows that are released as ‘jaan ka sadqa’ by many, the place has something for everyone. From what may seem like a scene right out of the movie ‘Rio’, you will see bulbuls, budgies, lovebirds and peacocks, all in one place. Sadly, kept in small cages, the birds cut a sorry figure and are often infected and die a few days after a child has eagerly taken them home. – Text and photos by Sumera Adil