People speak

Published November 25, 2017
Mohammad Sajid, 12, vendor
Mohammad Sajid, 12, vendor

“I have been selling sugarcane slices for the last eight years. I know many people think I am exaggerating considering I’m just 12, but it’s true.

My family belongs to Vehari, and every male member of my family is a vendor, selling various items on carts.

My father and my uncle’s family used to live together in our ancestral home. My uncle sold sugarcane slices on a cart, and I began helping him when I was four. Whenever he had some work, he would leave me with the cart, which I would then tend to. Two years ago, my family moved to Islamabad and we began the same work we were doing back in Vehari.

I have never been to school, although my father tried his best to admit me to one. I was never interested in education. I have always seen my family selling items on carts, and that was what I had at the back of my mind as well.

We are eight siblings in total – six sisters and two brothers – and four of my siblings are older than me. All my sisters go to school. My older brother has his own cart, while my father tends to his.

I earn around Rs2,500 per day, and I give all my money to my father as he bears the expense of my family. We have rented a house in a katchi abadi in Bari Imam for Rs2,500.

We have never seen any financial problems, as we work together and live in a joint setup. I don’t regret not getting an education either; what difference would that have made in my life? I am content to know that I am earning enough for my family, that is all that is important to me.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...