A stitch in time: Tailoring a new fate for young people

Khwaja Umair, 25, contests a neighbourhood youth seat from Sikandar Town

PESHAWAR: Khwaja Umair has covered all the bases to contest local government polls on a reserved seat for youth at the neighbourhood level from Sikandar Town.

A 25-year-old tailor who runs a shop in Gulbahar, Umair is eager to bring challenges faced by young people to the fore. Umair has an unconventional story to go with his commitment to solve these challenges.

Never into politics or studies, Umair gave up on higher education after passing his SSC examination in 2007 and took up stitching for a living. Like many in his profession, Umair became a good listener, hearing his young clients and others in his union council discuss problems they faced. He decided to contest the local government elections in a bid to “set things right”.

‘When I am elected’

At first, the 25-year-old found himself weighed down by the complex procedures involved in the local government system. However, a lack of knowledge did not thin his determination to fix it all.

“My first priority will be to make arrangements for a playground in the area,” he said. “Children have no place to play.”

According to Umair, unemployment remains a pressing concern for people and many graduates are finding it difficult to find jobs.

The 25-year-old believes many youth candidates are unaware of how the local government system works.

“Once elected, I will make an effort to understand my responsibilities,” he said. “For now, I am more concerned about juggling electioneering with my responsibilities towards my shop.”

Party support

Umair has gained considerable support for his campaign from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

“I am a PTI supporter and will follow its manifesto if I am elected,” he said.

PTI’s Peshawar General Secretary Younas Zaheer said the Insaf Youth Forum will support youth candidates.

However, the Election Commission of Pakistan in K-P spokesperson Sohail Khan said young candidates have not been allowed to use any party flags and symbols during the electioneering process.

“We have not received complaints about PTI or any other party which is are openly supporting candidates,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2015.