‘Old but unbroken:’ Elderly visually impaired Karachi vendor walks miles daily to feed family

KARACHI: In the busy streets of Karachi, a visually impaired 79-year-old man continues to work long hours to support his family, despite old age and health challenges.

Javaid, a street vendor born in 1945, lost his eyesight years ago in a chemical gas leak incident in the port city’s Keamari area. The same tragedy claimed seven lives and left his son blind as well. Since then, Javaid has been earning a living by selling pens, combs, toys, and small household items on the roadside.

Every day, he walks several kilometres from his home in city's Mauripur area to Ghizri, passing through Pakistani Chowk, pushing a cart filled with goods. He starts work at around 10 am and stays out until midnight or later.

“I never ask anyone for money,” he said.

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“If I sell something, good. If not, I go home. But begging is not an option,” Javed added.

Javaid said he walks long distances to save money on transport. “I don’t have much, but I try not to depend on anyone. I walk to save my bus fare,” he said.

He sits near Irfan Medical in Ghizri, where he has been selling goods for the past four years. Despite his difficult circumstances, Javaid remains hopeful. “Allah gave me hands, feet, and a mind. That’s enough to keep working,” he said.

“One must not give up,” Javed continued.

The elderly vendor does not have a mobile phone or any means of contact, and he continues to work in harsh weather, often with blackened hands and sore feet.

His story reflects the daily struggle of many elderly workers in Pakistan, who lack pensions and formal support systems.

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