Growing Trend of ‘Silver Men’ and ‘Golden Boys’ in Pakistan Raises Health Concerns

A new trend is rapidly spreading across Pakistan, where individuals dressed in golden or silver-colored clothing, with their bodies sprayed in metallic paint, pose motionless like statues at busy intersections to attract public attention.

Body painting for artistic or strategic purposes has ancient roots, but today it is primarily seen for entertainment or livelihood across many countries. In Pakistan, particularly in cities like Islamabad and Karachi, young boys painted in silver or gold stand for hours under the scorching sun, seeking donations.

Mohammad Adeel, an 18-year-old from Sargodha, has been performing as a “Silver Man” in Islamabad for the past two years. He shared that although the silver spray causes severe burning and itching, he continues the work to support his family. “The pain is intense, especially on the face, but if I don’t do this, how will my home run?” he said.

This trend recently caught greater attention after renowned Pakistani singer Bilal Maqsood highlighted the plight of these children. He posted a picture of a “Golden Boy” on Instagram and warned about the dangers of the metallic paints they use, which often contain harmful chemicals like aluminum powder and lead. Bilal urged health authorities to take swift action, pointing out the risk of serious skin conditions and even cancer due to prolonged exposure to these paints under intense sunlight.

Skin specialist Professor Dr. Riffat Yasmeen confirmed the health hazards, stating that common spray paints available in local markets cause multiple harmful effects. These paints not only damage the skin but also release fumes that, when inhaled, can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Moreover, the paints can be absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting muscles, blood vessels, and major organs like the heart, liver, and brain.

According to Dr. Yasmeen, most spray paints in Pakistan contain chemicals like toluene, xylene, acetone, and benzene — substances known to cause severe health issues, including infections and skin cancer. She emphasized the urgent need for public awareness campaigns to educate these performers about safe practices.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Adeel expressed his wish to quit this work. “Facing the blazing sun after applying the spray paint is becoming unbearable. My eyes and lips burn,” he said. “It’s not easy to earn a living under such harsh conditions, worrying both about feeding my family and avoiding police action. After such a painful day, the night brings relentless itching and burning, making it hard to sleep.”

The growing phenomenon highlights a troubling intersection of poverty, health risks, and the urgent need for governmental intervention to protect vulnerable youth across Pakistan.