ABU DHABI // All Shahzad Ali has ever wanted was to lead a normal, independent life so that he can provide for his family.
The 36-year-old contracted polio as a child, which left him without the use of his right leg.
Despite being able to walk only with the use of a specially made leg, knee brace and a cane, Mr Ali, who has a double master’s in communications and international relations, has never let his disability hold him back.
He has spent five years in Dubai working to support his wife and three young children back in Pakistan.
“I found this country excellent in many ways,” he said. “I love being here but I miss my family and would like for them to be with me.”
However, the prosthetic limb that is a lifeline to Mr Ali is now more than two years old and in urgent need of replacing. Without a new one he fears he will not be able to work, and without an income he has little hope of bringing his family to Dubai to live with him.
“I am suffering because of my disability but instead of depending on charity for a new leg brace I would like a job so I can depend on myself and get it on my own. I am here to make money for my family so it’s OK if I have a nothing left for me.”
The brace costs Dh55,000, which on Mr Ali’s Dh2,500 monthly salary at a Dubai transport company, is out of reach.
But, as proud as ever, Mr Ali is not looking for a handout. Instead, he is seeking employment and is prepared to work in any field, doing anything, as long as it is provides him with an income that will give him and his family a decent life.
“The current prosthetic is two-years-old and will be useless soon,” he said.
Hisham Al Zahrani, manager of Zakat and Social Services at Dar Al Ber, said it was always encouraging to see people who wanted to depend on themselves rather than on charity.
“Mr Ali is a capable, educated man and what would help him most is a steady job.”
salnuwais@thenational.ae
