A blog about a tailor that I met...found him to be very inspiring!

A tailor-made life

By Desiree` Natasha Francis

Mohammad Tariq Mehboob is an 18 year old boy who ran away from his village only because his father refused to let him study further. His aim of joining the Pakistan Army may not have come true, but his hopes of living a better life are still intact.

Kolachi: How long have you been living in Karachi?

Tariq: I came here when I was 10 years old.

Kolachi: How many members do you have in your family?

Tariq: We are a total of six members, two sisters, two brothers and my parents. I am the eldest son.

Kolachi: Where are you originally from?

Tariq: I have come from a village called Gogran.

Kolachi: Do you study?

Tariq: No, I have only studied till the sixth grade

Kolachi: What do you do for a living?

Tariq: I work as a tailor.

Kolachi: How did you acquire this skill?

Tariq: I learnt how to stitch at my uncle's house, who is also a tailor in Karachi.

Kolachi: How and why did you come to Karachi?

Tariq: My father tore my school books and told me to start working since he was the only earning member in my family and needed my support.I wanted to continue my studies but he refused to let me do so and told me to leave.I left my house just then. I had heard about Karachi and a few places here. I dint think twice, and went to the station with only 10 rupees in my pocket.I went to the station and got on the train which was about to leave for Karachi.Luckily even the ticket checker did not ask me for the fare.

Kolachi: So how was it once you were here?

Tariq: oh it was horrible, I had nowhere to go. I was at the Landhi Railway Station, crying. A rickshaw driver came to me and I asked him to take me to the Rahmania Masjid on Tariq Road.He took me and dint even charge me.

Kolachi: How did you know about Rahmania Masjid?

Tariq: I used to go with my dad to a tailor's shop in my village. The workers at that shop used to talk about Karachi and the places here. I eagerly listened on to their conversations. They used to tease me sometimes, saying I listened to them as though I will go to Karachi myself someday, and I did.

Kolachi: how is life in Karachi?

Tariq: Well, I think I have been lucky right from the start. When I was at Rahmania Masjid, I found a pupil there from my madrassah in the village. He knew one of my distant relatives in Karachi and took me there. From there I shifted to my uncle's house.

Kolachi: Are you happy with what you earn or would you like to change your profession?

Tariq: Yes I am content with what I earn because I work hard for a living. I would not want to change my profession because I have acquired this skill through hard work and determination.

Kolachi: What do you like best about Karachi?

Tariq: I like all of it especially the sea side. I have been there many times. I like just sitting there, enjoying the cool breeze.

Kolachi: Has Karachi changed over the years?

Tariq: Yes its quite different now. There has been a lot of development and I think it has become better.

Karachi is the city where dreams are supposed to come true, and while it provides individuals from all over the country a shot at realizing their dreams, it is these individuals who make the city as phenomenal as it is. People like Tariq may take the opportunities Karachi offers them, but hold the city together with their determination and drive, qualities which are a huge part of Karachi's character.

Printed in The News, Kolachi, November 25, 2007