ISLAMABAD: Besides the participation of thousands of activists, including women, two barbers are also serving their fellow participants of the sit-in organised by the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).

Mohammad Akram and Ghulam Shabbir joined Tahirul Qadri’s march for bringing a ‘revolution’ in the country after closing their shops in Sargodha and Jhelum.

After seeing that their fellow marchers needed a trim or a shave, they set up their makeshift shops on Constitution Avenue a few days ago.

Mr Akram, whose shop in Sargodha, remains closed for the last 15 days, said he purchased the necessary equipment for Rs1,000 and had so far served around 150 customers at his makeshift shop.

“I’m not offering my services for money. I’m charging only Rs20 for a shave and Rs30 for a haircut. For those who cannot afford, the service was free,” he said..

“I’m happy with the work of Akram. I used to get my haircut and shave from hair saloons but here I am enjoying his work, it’s a good experience,” said Ghulam Dastagir, a customer.

Ghulam Shabbir from Jhelum said he also started his service a few days ago.

“I closed my shop in Pind Dadan Khan to join the ‘revolution’ rally.”

He said his entire family was participating in the sit-in to achieve the revolution ‘promised’ by Tahirul Qadri. He said he was charging Rs20 for a shave and Rs30 for a haircut.

Mohammad Waseem from Faisalabad, who was waiting for his turn to get a shave, said both hairdressers were doing a great job as the protesters could not leave the sit-in to get their shave and hair cut from markets.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2014