Cancer diagnosis isn't death sentence, proves 'Siddique Boss'

Stage-four cancer patient refuses to give up hope and sets up successful business

KARACHI:

For most, a cancer diagnosis is akin to death sentence. This is because this malignancy is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Cancer patients feel as if they are slowly drifting toward death, as hope wanes and the desire to fight fades.

However, not everyone gives in easily. Some patients' stories have inspiring threads: strength, determination, persistence and a sense of hope in the battle against this merciless killer. One such story comes from the metropolitan city, where Amanatullah Siddiqui, a restaurateur battling stage-four blood cancer, has turned his life around, building a new, successful business from scratch. Siddiqui, known as "Siddique Boss" on social media, was once a prominent figure in the city's hospitality industry. A successful restaurateur, he owned three thriving restaurants in different neighbourhoods of the city, including Malir, University Road, and Shah Faisal Colony. He lived a comfortable life with luxury cars, houses, and property.

However, in 2022, his life turned upside down when he was diagnosed with stage-four blood cancer. To fund his treatment, he was forced to sell everything - his restaurants, cars, homes, and jewellry. The financial strain, together with the emotional weight of his diagnosis, led him into depression. For a time, Siddiqui believed his life was coming to an end, his dreams shattered.

But a glimmer of hope arrived in the form of Yahya Bhai, a friend and mentor who had been in the catering business for 45 years. With Yahya's guidance, Siddiqui was inspired to start afresh. Together, they opened a small restaurant named SBC in Shah Faisal Colony, offering two popular dishes: Nali Pulao and Haleem. The eatery, which began just two weeks ago, has become a success, attracting large crowds every night.

What sets Siddiqui's restaurant apart is its unique operating hours - it opens at 2am and closes at 7am, a time when other restaurants are typically closed. Siddiqui realised that while Karachi has countless biryani and pulao sellers during the day, there was a gap in the market at night. His focus on offering lighter-spiced versions of Nali Pulao and Haleem at this time has proved to be a hit with the local population, especially those craving a late-night meal.

"I believe hard work always pays off," Siddiqui says. Despite his ongoing battle with cancer, he continues to dedicate himself to his restaurant, relying on his passion for food and his dedication to his treatment. While Siddiqui is focused on healing, he has no plans to expand the business further, but the success of his restaurant has given him new hope and purpose. Siddiqui Boss has a message for others facing the same disease: "Cancer patients should not fear death. Life is about hard work, dedication, and maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of illness. Pain, healing, and prosperity are in the hands of Allah Almighty. Death is inevitable, but it should not be feared. Keep fighting, and live life to its fullest."

Though Siddiqui did not seek financial help from anyone during his cancer treatment, he believes that cancer treatment should be free for all, especially for the underprivileged. He calls for the establishment of hospitals with modern facilities dedicated to cancer care so that no one has to sell their assets to afford life-saving treatment. Siddiqui's story has deeply inspired many on social media.

Saad, a young man visiting from the USA, said, "Siddiqui Boss is incredibly popular on social media, and I came to try his famous Nali Pulao with my friends."

Areeb, a resident of FB Area, said, "Fighting cancer is not easy, but Siddiqui Boss is doing it with a smile." Akbar from Surjani added, "His restaurant has become a favourite spot for many, and people are always there to enjoy his delicious dishes at night." Siddiqui Boss has proved that there is always room for hope, even in the darkest of times.