Dreams born in school, snuffed out on streets

The child begs on the street to help his ailing father

LAHORE: Looking at the rich kids driving past in their vehicles, seventh grader Minhaj* cannot help but be overcome with a mixture of shame and envy. He is also the first of his family to go into the most desperate methods to make ends meet: begging.

“Like all other kids, I, too, want to pick my own field of study and pursue my dreams. But perhaps fate does not have that in store for me,” he says with a deep sense of regret in his tone.

With tears welling up in his eyes, the boy talks about the difficult times when reflecting on the ordeal of having to care for his ailing father.

He consoles himself by not accepting that he is a beggar, rather just a person who is braving the streets for the survival of his father as his family cannot afford medicines, tests and other expenses.



He goes to school daily and completes his homework as he reaches home. The student has bid farewell to afterschool tuitions as he just started begging in the evening hours with his father.

The minor’s father recalls he used to forbid his son from joining him to beg. He remembers the day a class fellow saw them begging.

“My son was worried that his secret would be revealed before the other children. However, he kept his head and finally went to school.”

The minor himself mourns the double standards in the so-called “Riasat-e-Madina”. He says the elite could afford to hire air ambulances and get relief abroad on medical grounds. “On the other hand, I am begging for the survival of my father, but no one is here to address such grievances.”

Shedding further tears over the pathetic state of affairs, he understands that perception people have of him. At the same time, he is resigned to the fact that he has no other choice but to beg as neither relatives nor residents are ready to support his family.

The placard he carries in his hands is inscribed with “My father is suffering from three diseases and is unable to purchase medicines and bear home expenses. You are requested to help and I will offer prayers for you and your family. You may get me arrested if it is proven that I am telling a lie.”

Minhaj reflects on his time on the streets and reveals he has been begging for a few months. “I have been embarrassed a lot at the hands of different people on the road.’ Sometimes he can’t fight back the tears but consoles himself by saying that he must continue for the survival of his father.

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The father says he earned a livelihood for family members, but some months ago, he was hit with ailments and was unable to earn.

He demands that the government take notice of his health and support him through this most difficult of times. The minor student, meanwhile, stresses he wants nothing for himself, just help from the government for his ailing father.

Minhaj continues that he has great love and respect for his father, but cannot earn a meaningful amount for medical treatment due to his age.

Regardless, he is optimistic that divine forces will see him and his family through these dark hours.

*Name changed to protect identify

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2019.