Going all out: Donkey-cart rider hands reins of ‘bright future’ to son

Imran’s family often went without food for days just so they could pay his fee on time.

SWAT:

Perched on his donkey cart, beaming with pride is 67-year-old Fazal Karim.

Karim’s son Imran excelled in his BSc Honors exams — something Karim has been dreaming of since the day his son was born.

Even though Imran keeps facing rejection from any job he applies to, his determination has not wavered. He is now looking for a government job so that he can provide for his family and allow his ageing father to stay at home.

“A strong will and determination make everything possible,” says Imran’s proud father.

“I studied till grade six but was unable to continue my education. Some of my classmates, however, are teachers now, and lead respectable lives. I regret giving up my education every day,” says a nostalgic Karim, adding, “When I saw how devoted Imran was to his education, I decided I would relive that part of my life through my son.”

Karim, who hails from Sambat village in Matta Tehsil, recalls how their family would often go days on end without any food, just to ensure there were no financial hurdles in Imran’s path to an education. “There were days when we did not eat food just so that we could pay Imran’s fee on time.”

Imran graduated from Gomal University, with a specialisation in agronomy. Today, he is the only educated person in his entire family.

“I completed my initial education from government schools here in Matta. I placed second in my Matric examinations and topped my FSc exams,” says Imran, adding, “After completing my FSc, I did not think I would be able to continue my education, but my parents encouraged me to go on, dismissing any reservations I had about being able to meet the financial requirements of university.”

He recalls his mother telling him that they would even sell their cow and buffalo if they had to, something that did eventually happen. “My admission fee alone was Rs23,000. My father sold our cow to make the payment. My parents borrowed money to pay my hostel expenses. During vacations, I would teach at private schools just to earn some pocket money for myself.”

“I placed first in all my exams while I was at university. I even topped my department in the finals,” Imran says. While still determined, Imran’s tone carries a hint of frustration. “I am disappointed because wherever I apply for a job, they flat out reject me. I’ve applied for a clerical position at NADRA where I qualified in the test, but I’m still waiting to hear about appointments.”

Imran’s 10-member family is living in a two room mud house with boundary walls made of plastic sheets. “I want to be able to marry off my sisters and extend our house, and I also want to be a useful citizen for my country,” he says.

“The children of landlords and those who come from well-off families get jobs without merit, depriving our children of such opportunities,” says a perturbed Karim, but his disappointment quickly turns to optimism as he adds, “I am confident about Imran’s future. I know God won’t let all of his hard work go to waste.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2011.