‘Living statues’ relocate from PWD to T Chowk

Islamabad: In a recent shift, the well-known street performers “Golden Man” and “Silver Man,” along with the “Silver Kid,” have moved their performance spot from PWD to T Chowk.

The trio of living statues, famous for their stillness and striking metallic body paint, now captivates commuters at this bustling intersection. Despite the scorching heat, these performers stand motionless, attracting the attention and generosity of passers-by.

Their commitment and endurance, especially under the relentless sun, have earned them admiration and sympathy from many. The performers rely on tokens of appreciation from commuters for their livelihood, making their presence at T Chowk a blend of art and necessity.

Regulars who commute through T Chowk on Islamabad Expressway have already begun to notice and appreciate the new spectacle, often pausing to take photographs or offer a small donation. Their relocation was hardly unexpected however. This was due to the delayed construction and renewal of the T-chowk road upgradation as part of the Islamabad Expressway upgradation project.

While most of the construction across the Expressway now allows fast transit, the last stretch towards T-chowk after the Institute of Space Technology remains pothole-laden and is a hot spot for trucks breaking down.

When cars slow down, it provides the silver men an opportunity to collect alms. Local authorities are urged to complete the construction and upgradation of the last portion of T Chowk for speedy transit and completion of journey across the expressway. The silver kid not more than 7 year old also has been seen standing motionless and have bear the intense heat in this so called street performance. Commuters feel pity for this small child subjected to this street performance.

These street performers shift to that under constructed road where the traffic passes through so slow that the commuters get time to take out the money and give it to them. It’s a constant indicator where the road should be fixed on priority basis. Commuters wonder what will be their future or next destination when Islamabad Expressway would be complete and commuters would enjoy the hassle free Expressway whose construction has been going on since few years.