Almost 170 years after the British established the first railway networks in the territories that would become Pakistan, the situation for railway coolies (porters) remains as dire as ever. Pakistan Railways does not recognize them as part of the railway system that they faithfully serve, carrying heavy luggage for thousands of passengers every day. Instead, the coolies are employed by contractors, who pay them menial wages, without any facilities. Two measly quarters constructed for the laborers a while back are insufficient to house them. Resultantly, most coolies sleep on the railway platforms. This May 1, the coolies ask the government to recognize their hard work and provide them facilities to protect their dignity.