Shakirullah, once a reporter, now a laborer

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 December 2020

PESHAWAR—After working as a journalist for three decades, reporter Shakirullah Jan now works as laborer in Peshawar.

He lost his job as a court reporter of local Urdu daily Khyber two-and-a-half years back, reports online newspaper Independent Urdu. “I was at a hospital for my wife’s treatment when I received a call from the office that my services are not required,” he said.

For years, he covered court proceedings for Mashriq newspaper.

With six daughters and a son, he had no option but to look for any work that could keep his kitchen running. “I earn Rs700 a day whenever I get work.”

His three daughters in 6th and 7th grades had to give up studies because Shakir could not pay their fee.

 “I looked for a job for one year but there was none. I started working on straightening iron used in the construction of homes. It was good in terms of daily wages but it was hard work.”

Shakir is a diabetic and had blood pressure. “I work three or four days a week.”

From time to time, friends and journalists’ associations help him.

He said that in the past when he did not a job he could find another one in three or four months in any newspaper. But now journalists can’t find work. “The situation the media is facing today is unprecedented.”