“Most of the time I feel like I can’t differentiate between right and wrong. It’s difficult to decide what’s generally good or bad for others. I only ever went to school for three days, and I never developed an interest in education, but now I think that’s why I find it hard to make decisions.

I’m not a well educated person who can advise others or talk about what is good for society and what shouldn’t be done.

But with the passing of time and with experience, I’ve learnt several lessons in life. I don’t argue with people, even if someone is harsh on me, I don’t indulge in fights or heated debates with them, because that person could be right and I could lack knowledge or understanding of the matter.

My family is from the Nowshera district, and I spent my entire life in Rawalpindi. My father is a labourer, and I’ve seen him work hard for our family as far back as I can remember.

I wake up early and sell sugarcane pieces, or ganderi, until late into the night. This has been my routine for the last seven or eight years, and I don’t think it will change for the next several years.”

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2016