Physical limitations not a barrier to the willing soul

Like many young men, Qadir Muhammad loves his hairstyles, aces college - all with an upper limb reduction

PESHAWAR:

There are many who would be limited emotionally or physically by something like an upper limb reduction. Qadir Muhammad, a 25-year-old man, however, does not see why.

Some call him brilliant, but short of standardised testing Muhammad comes across as a highly driven and confident individual. It did not beat him down that of five siblings he was the only one with a congenital disorder.



Muhammad is a student of civil engineering at University of Peshawar, and that is just one stop on his way to future achievements, or so suggests his trajectory. With the help of his feet, he writes and does most things other people use their hands for.

Talking to The Express Tribune over the telephone he said, “I never feel disabled as my condition does not create hurdles in my life. In the beginning, it was very difficult to learn to write and perform routine tasks using my feet.” Muhammad added, “But with time, I got used to it and feel no hesitation.”

Career moves

Muhammad said the decision to choose engineering as a career was not easy. But with belief in his capabilities he will succeed, added Muhammad. “Right now, I am focusing on my studies.”



He added, “My first priority would be teaching as it will be easier but I might also look into studying more.”

Got moves like Jagger

The young man is not without a flair for fashion, a quick look at his Facebook page shows photographs of Muhammad sporting different hairstyles.

Muhammad is not unconcerned about his good looks and aims to encourage all those people who are disabled. “I get different cuts and in general live a normal life; I want to encourage those who have handicaps who feel disheartened and consider themselves a burden on society,” he said.



He acknowledged the importance of Facebook in present times. His account is not just for advocacy; Muhammad uses it to connect with friends like the rest of the social platform’s users.

Ticking those boxes

He completed the Secondary School Certificate in 2013 from Air Foundation School System, Timergara in Lower Dir. Passed with flying colours, only to go on to Edwardes College, Peshawar.

In 2015, Muhammad took the Educational Testing and Evolution Agency (ETEA) test and secured a seat in the BS civil engineering programme.

A word for the weary

Muhammad advised people who have any kind of disability to keep their hopes high. Not everyone can be born perfect, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2015.