Fighting cancer does not hold back LG candidate who stands for change
Barely able to sit or walk, Irfanuddin campaigns vociferously.
Irfanuddin back in his ASF days (L) the 35-year-old working on his campaign (R). PHOTOS COURTESY: IRFANUDDIN MEHSUD
DI KHAN:
Diagnosed with cancer of the spinal cord, Irfanuddin Mehsud, 35, has not allowed himself to be immobilised by the uncertainty of life and death. Instead he kicked his life into action for the betterment of society by contesting from DI Khan for local government polls.
Although he hails from South Waziristan, Irfanuddin presently resides in Zafarabad in DI Khan and is an inspiration for the people around him.
They are encouraged by his positivity, even though he himself has little reason to be hopeful about his health.
Locals say Irfanuddin is enthusiastic about taking charge and brining positive change in his area.
A friend of his, Hayatullah, says he is glad to be part of Irfanuddin’s political journey because of his determination.
Irfanuddin was born in South Waziristan Agency and was later sent to DI Khan for his education. He completed his matriculation from FG Model School DI Khan Cantt and graduated from Government Degree College No 2. After graduating, he was employed in Airport Security Force as an SI.
However, after some time he started feeling a weakness in his legs. Tests confirmed one of the worst kinds of health fears; he was diagnosed with spinal cord cancer. It forced him to retire before time.
True leader
Locals of the area meet in the evening to have political discussions and the most active participant in the debates is Irfanuddin.
And so he was chosen to contest elections on a neighbourhood council seat against 23 other candidates. He did not back out although he can barely walk or sit. He goes around campaigning for his victory in his wheelchair which is also his election symbol.
About his campaigns, Irfanuddin says he does not want to make hollow claims to people only to forget them after “using them for their votes like previously-elected leaders”. He says those who have been elected in the past spent money on the public, serving their needs till they receive the desired number of votes. After that, he says, they forget all the promises and left the public to strive on their own. During his campaigns he tells people to think twice before using their vote.
Irfanuddin is so strong in his resolve to transform society into a better one that he does not let his deteriorating health come in his way, or discourage his campaigners in any way.
He says once he receives news of his victory he will stand on his feet to celebrate and from that day onwards would work to make his area a better place in DI Khan.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2015.
Diagnosed with cancer of the spinal cord, Irfanuddin Mehsud, 35, has not allowed himself to be immobilised by the uncertainty of life and death. Instead he kicked his life into action for the betterment of society by contesting from DI Khan for local government polls.
Although he hails from South Waziristan, Irfanuddin presently resides in Zafarabad in DI Khan and is an inspiration for the people around him.
They are encouraged by his positivity, even though he himself has little reason to be hopeful about his health.
Locals say Irfanuddin is enthusiastic about taking charge and brining positive change in his area.
A friend of his, Hayatullah, says he is glad to be part of Irfanuddin’s political journey because of his determination.
Irfanuddin was born in South Waziristan Agency and was later sent to DI Khan for his education. He completed his matriculation from FG Model School DI Khan Cantt and graduated from Government Degree College No 2. After graduating, he was employed in Airport Security Force as an SI.
However, after some time he started feeling a weakness in his legs. Tests confirmed one of the worst kinds of health fears; he was diagnosed with spinal cord cancer. It forced him to retire before time.
True leader
Locals of the area meet in the evening to have political discussions and the most active participant in the debates is Irfanuddin.
And so he was chosen to contest elections on a neighbourhood council seat against 23 other candidates. He did not back out although he can barely walk or sit. He goes around campaigning for his victory in his wheelchair which is also his election symbol.
About his campaigns, Irfanuddin says he does not want to make hollow claims to people only to forget them after “using them for their votes like previously-elected leaders”. He says those who have been elected in the past spent money on the public, serving their needs till they receive the desired number of votes. After that, he says, they forget all the promises and left the public to strive on their own. During his campaigns he tells people to think twice before using their vote.
Irfanuddin is so strong in his resolve to transform society into a better one that he does not let his deteriorating health come in his way, or discourage his campaigners in any way.
He says once he receives news of his victory he will stand on his feet to celebrate and from that day onwards would work to make his area a better place in DI Khan.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2015.