Shakirullah, once a reporter, now a laborer

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 December 2020

Shakirullah Jan, once a court reporter, is now struggling as a laborer in Peshawar after losing his job. His family's financial burden has forced his daughters to abandon their studies.

Summary

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.”

KEY POINTS:

• Shakirullah lost his job as a court reporter two-and-a-half years ago.
• He now earns Rs700 per day doing labor work.
• Three of his daughters had to quit school due to financial constraints.
• The media job market has worsened, making it difficult for journalists to find employment.
• Friends and journalists' associations provide occasional support.