“I’m from Khanewal, and I have an elder sister and five younger brothers. My father is a labourer in Faisalabad, while I moved to Islamabad eight months ago seeking better opportunities. My father’s work is unreliable, but the two of us together take care of the house.

I studied until the fourth grade, but then I left school because I didn’t have an interest in it, and my family situation was such that they put me to work. I started working on bicycles four years ago, and I even do a bit of motorcycle work. I’ve been working at a cycle shop in Islamabad for eight months now; I get paid Rs12,000 per month and the shopkeeper provides meals and accommodation aside from that.

I like Islamabad, especially the weather. Khanewal gets very hot and summer there starts earlier. But the demand for my work is decreasing, and wages are low. Nowadays, customers only come to buy bicycles for their children, or if they have been advised to take up cycling by doctors for health reasons. Fancier bikes that usually come from China are common.

Although I haven’t studied, my aim is to make sure my brothers do at least complete their matriculation. After that it’s up to them.”

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2018