“I never went to school, I only worked as a labourer to support my family. I worked as an automobile mechanic in Sargodha and then moved to Rawalpindi a few months ago. I was working as a labourer at someone’s workshop, but now I have my own small business. I am no longer bound to anyone.

People go to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, but I moved to this city. I am living with three other people in a rented room, and I guess I can save a lot more money than before. Back home, I had a motorcycle and I used to spend a lot of money on that as well; now I use a bicycle to move around and sell fruit.

I got married last year and my wife is expecting our first child. I am a bit worried about the future as well – I also have a younger brother and I’m paying for his education. I hope he won’t ruin his future the way I did. He is good at his studies, and I hope he will get a reputable job after completing his studies. I can imagine a bright future for my family and my brother.”

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2016