Meet Zamir Ulhaq, 34 years old when this picture was taken (in 2001), originally from Faisalabad, directing traffic at Zarghoon Road, Quetta.
When I was very young (as young as my son now is), I wanted to grow up to be this man (or someone like him). And why not. This police cop wears a kool uniform, is obviously in control, has a whistle that he can blow whenever he wants, and people listen to him (well, some people, sometime).
Obviously, I did not know then just how difficult his job is and how under-appreciated he is. I do now.
(The photograph is by Vincent Laforet, first published in the New York Times, and found here).
P.S. I know my friend Suleman is going to say I am too soft on ‘tullas’ but I wanted to put this picture today, partly as a tribute to the ASI who stopped the arrogant MNA from Karachi.
You need a study to tell you the answer?
Does anyone know exactly what a traffic constable in Pakistan makes per month?
It would be an interesting study to see just how much that is and whether a decent lifestyle can be maintained in that amount.
adil, please confirm if you have access to v.g.kiernan’s book containing select translation of faiz else it would be my pleasure to share a few gems with you
Thanks for thsi reminder of ‘reality’ Naveed….. your mention of Faiz’s ‘dehkan kay naam’, reminded me of an earlier ATP post:
https://pakistaniat.wordpress.com/2006/06/19/pictu re-of-the-day-baadshah-i-jahan/