Jackson of Faisalabad: Fruit-seller by day, superstar by night

FAISALABAD: Near Faisalabad’s famed clock tower, outsiders may be surprised to find a colourfully dressed cowboy getting selfies taken with people, but to the locals the man known as ‘Jackson of Faisalabad’ is akin to a permanent fixture.

While the structure is famous in its own right due to its unique architecture of eight bazaars surrounding it, the now 70-year-old Muhammad Saleem has been catching the attention of passers-by for the past five decades.

The man spends his day serving as a spectacle for visitors, especially children, who often jump at the chance to take a picture or a selfie with the uniquely clad individual.



Talking to The Express Tribune, Saleem talks about his childhood and says he always wanted to play the hero in films. However, the lack of resources and guidance meant he had been unable to realise his dreams of the silver screen.

“My father died when I was hardly 15 years of age and the responsibility of earning bread for my entire family fell on my shoulders,” he recalls. It is therefore hardly surprising that he has been unable to attain an education.

“I started selling fruits and vegetables in the market next to my house,” Saleem reveals. “I used to call out to customers and was attached to a commission agent. For the last 55 years, this has been the bread and butter of my family. I set up shop at 6am and continue through till noon, earning at least Rs1,200 daily. Of this, Rs.800 is being spent on feeding the household, while I save the rest to buy colourful clothes or meet miscellaneous expenses.”

“After winding up at the fruit and vegetable market, I rest and have lunch before donning my multi-coloured clothes and heading to the clock tower via Regal Road and Anarkali. I stand around for about two hours on a daily basis, and move onto Bohawana Bazaar and then to the rest of the markets turn by turn,” the Jackson of Faisalabad says.

“Nowadays, kids are happy to take selfies with me and engage in conversation.” However, the initial days were not always smooth sailing and people took their time to appreciate the showmanship.

“In the beginning, passersby would point fingers and whisper at each other, almost as if I was committing a sin. However, I did not bother and continued my activities, moving round all eight bazaars and the clock tower itself.”

The clock tower is famous throughout Pakistan and abroad due to its unique design. All the eight bazaars have separate entries and all converge on a central point, making the paths that resemble the Union Jack.



The bazaars are a hub for business, trade and commercial activity. From yarn, cloth, fabric, garments, hosiery and bed sheets to golden ornaments, cell phones, electronic items or fruits, vegetables, groceries, medicines, surgical instruments, sweets, ice creams, dry fruits and machinery, the markets have it all.

People from all walks of life use the busy space to make ends meet.  On the thoroughfares, people will come across daily wage earners, labourers, masons and painters; all trying to put food on the table. Not far away are quacks who sit around the clock tower, busy cleaning ears. After sunset, the masseuses make an appearance.

“Gone are the days when the people, shopkeepers and passers-by expressed their hatred of my adventures. Now people call me a hero and take pride in snapping selfies,” he gloats.  “A number of shopkeepers want me to become a sales representative to attract buyers. However, I do not use this guise as a source of earning. It is only to satisfy my own dreams of becoming a movie star,” Saleem says.

“I have six children; three sons and as many daughters. Three of the girls and one of the boys are married,” he reveals.



“A number of stage drama producers have offered roles to me at handsome remunerations. However, I declined the offers as I believe dialogues are unethical, taunting, disgraceful and vulgar in these acts.” He says there is a distinct line between being fashionable and vulgar. “One must always keep a balance.”

To a question, he says the majority of the population is facing uncountable problems and everyone is worried for their families. “Tolerance seems to have vanished from society,” he says. In this scenario, it is the Jackson of Faisalabad’s mission to entertain people through a unique display of gestures and exhibition of colourful attire. He may not be a movie star, but the comic relief he provides to people might just make him a real life hero; even if he doesn’t know it yet.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2017.