MINGORA: “What if I am crippled with both legs, I am active enough to fight for the rights of people of my area better than anyone else. People will see how actively and boldly I will snatch the basic facilities needed in the area from the government,” said Sher Ali, a 22-year-old winner of the youth council seat in the recent local government elections from Malookabad area of Mingora.

Using a wheelchair to move in the society, Mr Ali’s confidence level is so high that he sees everything with optimism in the society. “For over 20,000 population of Malookabad we have only one primary school which is far from here due to which half of the children do not go to school,” he told this correspondent, adding that getting approval for school is his top priority.

Mr Ali has been involved in social activities in his area and claims to have resolved several issues. There is scarcity of water in his area where people depend on government supply scheme. However, water supply remains suspended and the people have to go two to three kilometers downtown and fetch water.

“I have never taken my disability as weakness, but always tried to serve the community and would regularly go to the tehsil municipality to solve the water scarcity issue. I would also regularly call to Wapda office, the elected representatives and officials for solving issues,” he said, adding that he had also solved the cleanliness issue by approving a cleaner from TMA.

Mr Ali’s house is located up in the hill and accessible after climbing 130 steep steps. His friends help him by carrying him and his wheelchair to his house.

He said that his victory in the polls has encouraged him to serve people. “I will not behave like the politicians as they disappear once they win elections.”

He gave the credit for his success in the polls to the youth of his area.

“As people of the area have elected me, I will work day and night for them,” he said with confidence.

Mr Ali said that if he delivered according to the expectations of the people this time, he would try to contest elections for tehsil council and then district council in future. He advised the disabled people in the country to stand for their rights and work in the community like normal people.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2015

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