LAHORE: As Eidul Fitr has come and gone, it is a time for reflection and gratitude. There were several workers who spent this special occasion away from their loved ones due to work obligations. The city of Lahore wore a deserted look after the exodus of people who rushed to their native towns.

It is a difficult situation to be in, being away from family and friends during a time where togetherness and celebration are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The sacrifices made by these workers should not go unnoticed, and we should all take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication they put in day in and day out.

Muhammad Zahid, a 35-year-old factory worker in the Gulberg area, was one such individual who spent Eid away from his family. Zahid, who hails from a village in Muzaffargarh, has been living in Lahore for the past 10 years, working at a factory that produces soft drinks for local consumption. Zahid is a guard at the unit.

“I missed my family a lot during Eid,” Zahid says.

“But I had no choice but to work, as I need the money to support my wife and children back home.”

For Zahid and many others like him, working during Eid is not just a matter of financial necessity – it is also a question of job security. During a necessity, a time when unemployment rates are high and job opportunities are scarce, workers are often forced to accept whatever employment they can find, even if it means working through the holidays.

This is a sentiment echoed by 28-year-old Safia Iqbal, who works at a private hospital in Shadman as a paramedic. Safia, who moved to Lahore from a small town in south Punjab, says that while she missed her family during Eid, she is grateful to have a job that provides her with a steady income.

“I know it’s hard to be away from my family during Eid, but I have to work to support myself,” Ms Iqbal says. “I am lucky to have a job, and I don’t want to risk losing it by taking time off during the holidays.”

For those who do have the option of taking time off during Eid, the decision to do so is often fraught with difficulty. Many workers fear that taking time off during the holidays will be seen as a sign of disloyalty to their employers and could result in them losing their jobs.

This fear is not unfounded. In recent years, there have been reports of workers being fired for demanding rights, including paid time off during Eid, despite being legally entitled to do so under labour laws. In these circumstances, there’s little to offer hope for workers who are forced to spend Eid away from their families.

Dr Muhammad Ramzan, Punjab University Social and Cultural Studies professor, says as we move forward, it is important to remember the importance of family, community, and compassion towards those around us.

“Let’s continue to work towards a world where everyone can enjoy the holidays with their loved ones, and where the sacrifices made by workers are recognized and appreciated,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2023