Volunteerism brings self-satisfaction to Zareen

The traffic jams and honking blaring horns have become very serious issues in the metropolis.

Realizing the plight of citizens stuck in traffic, Zareen Khan, a resident of North Karachi, volunteered to control traffic in the congested Empress Market area alongside the traffic officials.

During the last four years, Zareen Khan, who has been active with the traffic cops braving all types of weather, initially faced the aggressive behaviour of the citizens who mostly never followed the signal to stop, but with the passage of time his selfless efforts bore fruit and started receiving appreciation.

Zareen remains the centre of attention of motorists and passers-by due to his close resemblance to the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Speeding and deafening horns are very common when citizens return to their homes from offices and business places.

In view of this chaotic situation, 56-year-old Zareen Khan voluntarily decided to control the traffic at Empress Market at a time when everyone is in a hurry to go to home.

According to Zareen, he is engaged on a daily basis trying to ensure the swift flow of traffic alongside the traffic officials from 5pm to late night.

He uses a plastic stick to stop motorists, which he keeps at a tobacco shop in the area.

He says that, he has been performing this public service for the last four years.

He said that, in the beginning, no one would stop at his signals since he did not wear traffic police uniform and often faced aggressive behaviour from the motorists but now, people have become accustomed to him.

Bikers and motorists not only fully cooperate with him but admire his spirit in today's fast life.

Due to Zareen's close resemblance to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, passers-by also address him as Murad Ali Shah Junior.

According to Zareen, there is no greed behind this passion rather he does it for the sake of his self satisfaction.

A few years ago, when he used to get stuck in traffic jam, during that time, the idea came to his mind that he should become a volunteer to help traffic officials.

Zareen's spirit is appreciated by top traffic officials and he has also been rewarded with certificates of appreciation.

He says that apart from maintaining the flow of traffic, when the signal is closed, he started traffic rules awareness campaign, in which he used to advise the bikers to wear helmets, install side glasses, and avoid speeding while motorists are advised to fasten seat belts.

According to Zareen, he is very happy when he helps a blind or physically challenged person to cross the road.

In the last ten days of Ramadan, when Eid shopping begins, he extends his duty hours until dawn, because on the occasion of Eid shopping, Saddar becomes very crowded.

The traffic police officials on duty at Empress Market also appreciate Zareen.

According to ASI Siddique Baloch of the traffic police, stationed at Empress Market, this kind of passion and hard work without any salary is highly commendable.