“My father came to Islamabad from Abbottabad in 1982. Before shifting to the capital, he worked as a farmer. But since the income was not enough, he left his village. He set up a stall in G-6/2 where he sold various snacks, including fruit and channa chaat.

My father lived in the city alone; the rest of us stayed back in the village. We are three brothers and three sisters. One of my sisters is married while the rest are still studying. I used to come to Islamabad during my summer vacations to help my father. However, I shifted to Islamabad permanently eight years ago after completing my eight grade. I took the decision after my father was diagnosed with heart disease and it was too risky to leave him all by himself. Besides, he could not stay at the stall for long. I wanted to join the army but I guess I was destined to work at my father’s stall. I completed my matriculation here. My younger brother joined us six months back. He has also passed the 10th grade.

Work is good because our stall is very close to Polyclinic. We earn between Rs2,000 to Rs2,500 per day. We have rented a room in Aabpara for Rs6,000. We purchase fruit every third day from the market in I-11 and the rest of the items from the weekly bazaar.

We open our stall at 8am and work till 8pm. We prepare all the items at night in our room and bring them to the stall in the morning.

I have visited my village just two or three times since I came to Islamabad. However, my father goes home often. Whatever I earn, I give it to my father. Whenever I need money, I ask from him.

Due to my circumstances, I could not study further, but I want my younger siblings to pursue their studies in order to excel in life.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2019