Rawalpindi: There are countless makeshift shops set up by hawkers all over the Rawalpindi city. Their number increases before Eids or on other important occasions. They sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, shoes, garments etc. Hawkers are infrequently shocked by eviction drives that throw them out of business, look mostly happy with daily turnovers from their shops on the footpaths alongside several markets. Hard work, honest earnings is their daily work. Poverty shows in their eyes. Their stories reflect the pathos and challenges these courageous people face on a daily basis. Their spirit is admirable. Those of us, who are affluent, need to be thankful to them for their services. People from lower, lower-middle, middle and even upper-middle classes buy different kinds of garments like shirts, trousers, kids wear, shoes, shorts, shocks, sandal, shalwar-kamiz, perfume, ornaments and cosmetics from roadside shops. Although hawkers set up their shops in almost all areas in the city, huge crowds draw to areas like Saddar, Jamia Masjid Road, Liaquat Road, College Road, Raja Bazaar, Iqbal Road, Moti Bazaar, Tench Bhatta etc. There are also seasonal hawkers, doing business on footpaths. On special occasions like Eid, the number of street vendors goes up. The demand for shoes, cosmetics, crockery items, ornaments and home appliances is also high. They are the real people of the city, kudos to them. They have so much talent that if they live overseas their values will be recognized and they will earn decent income. Everyone has its own importance. And they complete our world. I admire them all and they should be respected on their hardworking services. People like me really overwhelmed with their efforts for their children's food and education. These are the forgotten folks who have been providing services for generations at a very meagre cost. Labor brings joy and dignity. They live happy and live long. God bless. See the satisfaction and the pride in the twinkle of their eyes.
