Now, Khan is one of the leading producers and suppliers of concrete blocks. He is one of the many smalltime suppliers who benefited from the repercussions of the war-on-terror. His factory, on the outskirts of the federal capital, supplies concrete blocks to the government, diplomatic missions, private offices, schools, banks and the police.
Khan told The Express Tribune that he alone had supplied about 12,000 concrete blocks to different parts of the city. Each such block, Khan said, costs the purchaser between Rs6000-Rs7000. These blocks come in different sizes to meet the varying needs of the customers, he added.
An official at a private bank, asking not to be named, said they considered their clients’ security to be a “top priority” and put 25 concrete blocks all around the bank to secure it.
Many of their costumers, when questioned, were not happy with the concrete blocks and felt the bank needed to find an alternative solution to the problem. Sheikh Riaz, a regular customer of the branch, said, “These blocks irritate me. There is no parking space in front of the bank. The bank administration should perhaps consider hiring more guards rather than blocking our way.”
Parents of children studying in schools, however, feel differently about the issue. Mrs Sobia, who drops and picks up her children from H-8 every day, said, “Even though sometimes I get annoyed by the delay that these roadblocks cause, I understand their need and appreciate that the school is trying to secure its premises.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2010.
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