Fistless fighter: Sole proprietor turns bookseller post tragedy

An estimated 3.28 million Pakistanis are differently-abled

KARACHI:

In a country with an estimated 3.28 million persons with disabilities, many surrender themselves to begging as a way of life due to lack of resources and opportunities. But in this crowded and diverse city, Muhammad Anwar is one such person with disability who is fighting against all odds.

Despite being restricted by physical impairment, Anwar has not let himself be prevented from surmounting trials or circumventing impediments.

Anwar lost both his arms in an accidental explosion at his workplace in 1986. Being the sole earner of his family, Anwar had nowhere to go and nothing to do without his arms. But choosing to beg to make ends meet was not an option for him. An epitome of courage, determination and steadfastness, Anwar, a resident of Moosa Colony, decided to open a small business - a book stall in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

"I owned a moulding factory. We used to make tools by melting iron, brass, copper and silver," shared Anwar, while showing The Express Tribune his stall.

Narrating his story almost 32 years after the explosion that changed his life, Anwar said he was working with copper when the incident occurred. Sulphur was used by them in copper work. As Anwar was opening the sulphur's box with a screw driver, the screw driver slipped because he was in a hurry and it hit the chemical, causing a fire.

"We were shocked at what happened. As I threw it away at a short distance, it exploded," he recalled, adding that his clothes caught fire and he was immediately rushed to Civil hospital.

At the hospital, Dr Jokhio examined Anwar and said they won't be able to save his arms as they had become useless. Meanwhile, Anwar said he was unconscious as he had lost a lot of blood. Saying he was not aware of what was done afterwards, Anwar woke up to no arms. But for him, having no arms is not an obstacle.

"I was massively affected by what happened. I hardly eat food of Rs70 to 80 and I leave this place [stall] at around 1 to 1:30 am," Anwar shared said with a look of a man determined to continue fighting.  "I just want to tell [those who beg] to work hard and pray to God, then witness the miracle," Anwar advised. For Anwar, nothing can stop a person if they have the will and a little faith.