Police probe: Cabbie fears backlash over scrutiny by authorities

In the throes of poverty, poor health, Zahida Kazmi clarifies her living situation

ISLAMABAD: It was when Zahida Kazmi had gone to see the doctor on Thursday that members of the Special Branch allegedly visited her Rawalpindi residence without prior notice.

They seemed to be doing a background check on Kazmi, who says her landlords have allowed her to stay in their house for free and as more of a caretaker than a tenant, to look after their home while they are travelling abroad.

“A neighbouring shopkeeper, who is not too familiar with me, told them that the house is mine, and so may be the car parked in the driveway, whereas I have no ownership over either,” said a perturbed Kazmi. “I’m worried they took the wrong message while I was not even home to clarify my position.”

When contacted, a source within the ministry said that he had no knowledge of anyone going to Kazmi’s residence.



“I’m not aware of anything of the sort. But personally, I think whoever went should have gone about it more discreetly, especially if they were trying to help her out.” Earlier, Kazmi had received a call from the ministry, asking for her residential address.

According to documents available with The Express Tribune, neither the house nor the car are registered in her name. Kazmi, 56, has been living in the house for around 12 years.

“My landlords have been kind enough to let me live in the lower portion of their house without rent. They also helped me by purchasing my car, which is in a deplorable condition and remains parked in the driveway,” she said.

Garnering attention for being the first female cabbie of the country only a few years ago, Kazmi is now in the throes of poverty and poor health and can ill-afford her day-to-day expenditures.

Having recently suffered brain haemorrhage, she is also battling diabetes and hypertension. A mother to two sons and five daughters, Kazmi is presently raising her youngest daughter, 10-year-old Zahra. She claims to have no source of income.

For someone who had earned the trust of strangers as a reliable cabbie within the twin cities, she now feels threatened by baseless rumours that she fears may tarnish her reputation and chances at getting real support beyond tall claims and hollow promises.

“Nobody should jump to any conclusions about me just by looking at the house I live in and the car that is no longer mine,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2015.