Karachi’s “Butterfly Lady,” Shereen Abdullah, has made it her life’s mission to protect the city’s fragile butterfly population. Her journey began in 2004 when a gardener’s careless remark about killing caterpillars shook her deeply, sparking an enduring commitment to conservation. That moment led to the creation of a pioneering program based on three principles—rescue, raise, and release.
Shereen’s efforts took flight through awareness campaigns, starting on Earth Day in 2007 and formalized in 2016 with the launch of Karachi’s Butterfly Club. She later joined the Butterfly Effect Program, which empowers children to become environmental stewards. Through hands-on learning, these young conservationists rescue caterpillars from plants, nurture them in safe conditions, and release them as fully formed butterflies.
The initiative has since expanded, introducing butterfly sanctuaries in Karachi and Islamabad, with plans for more in Punjab. Shereen emphasizes the ecological role of butterflies as pollinators and warns of their global decline due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. She highlights their importance, noting that saving just one caterpillar can lead to hundreds of new butterflies as they reproduce.
Her passion has inspired countless people, including her own children, who view butterflies as part of the family. Young students involved in the program describe the profound joy of witnessing a caterpillar transform and fly free. This simple act instills in many a sense of environmental awareness and responsibility.
Shereen Abdullah’s work is a testament to the notion that even small actions can ripple outwards, creating meaningful change for the planet’s ecosystems. One butterfly at a time, she inspires hope for a greener future.
