“Life was a constant struggle for my family that lived in a small village in Vehari. My father was a conductor and just managed to make both ends meet. Due to financial difficulties I left school when I was in primary.

I came to Islamabad 10 years ago and started living with my brother in Bhara Kahu. I got work as an apprentice at a motorcycle workshop in G-8, where I succeeded in acquiring the necessary skills.

I worked there for several years before setting up my own workshop. But things did not work out well and I had to close down my workshop.

Two years ago as I was travelling on Islamabad Expressway, I saw a motorcyclist standing on the highway. His vehicle had broken down and looked stressed. But within no time, another motorcyclist reached the spot, took out his tools and started repairing his bike.

The idea struck me and from then on, I have been plying on the expressway, carrying all the necessary tools to fix a motorcycle or plug a puncture.

Work is good for me and I manage to earn around Rs1,500 a day, which is enough to look after my wife and a six-month-old son. Living in a joint setup with my brothers is an added advantage.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2017