“I came to Islamabad a year ago after completing my masters in Islamiyat from Bannu. I had just gotten married and I thought it was time for me to find a job. With no opportunities in Bannu, I decided to travel to Islamabad and drop my CV.

I visited several organisations and submitted my applications. I even applied for the position of security guard before returning home. A month later, I got a call from the security company and this is how I ended up becoming a security guard. I deputed at a bank in Jinnah Super, and have been working here eversince.

My father is a driver back in Bannu and so is my elder brother. A younger brother is still studying as are two of my sisters. One of my sisters is married.

My father was very keen on us studying, but he did not have the resources. He supported us as long as he could in our education. My eldest brother did his matriculation but dropped out to help my father. I kept on studying but had to work as a labourer to meet my expense.

At present, I am drawing a salary of Rs15,000. I work 12 hours a day throughout the week. I send Rs5,000 to my family and survive here with the remaining amount. I share a room in a hostel in G-10 with two other persons from my hometown. I visit Bannu after almost two months.

I believe education pays. Maybe not in the immediate future but in the long run, it does. I hope I find a government job. For me, it would be a great achievement.”

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2019