Five years ago, a devastating road accident left 28-year-old Hamza Ali without his legs, marking the beginning of a challenging chapter in his life. The incident occurred when the bus he was traveling on collided with a truck, changing his circumstances overnight. Reflecting on that period, Ali recalled that the first six months were exceptionally difficult, yet he remained determined to forge a path forward on his own terms.
Following the accident, Ali spent nearly three years searching for employment in his hometown of Multan. Despite his efforts, he faced repeated rejection from employers who cited his disability as a reason for turning him away. In 2023, acting on a friend’s advice, he relocated to Islamabad. He chose the capital because its wider road network offered a more practical environment for operating a modified vehicle.
Upon arriving in Islamabad, Ali used his personal savings to adapt his motorcycle with custom hand-operated controls. He then approached foodpanda, the delivery platform he had worked for prior to his injury, to request the reactivation of his rider account. When the company questioned if he was confident in his ability to handle the demands of the job, Ali gave them a definitive yes. Since his return to the workforce, he has earned a reputation among his colleagues as one of the company's top-performing delivery riders.
Ali expressed a strong rejection of the pity often shown toward individuals with disabilities. He emphasized that he does not seek financial handouts and is fully capable of earning his own living, noting that society often unfairly assumes that a disability equates to a lack of competence. Throughout his journey, he has credited his mother as his greatest source of strength, as she consistently encouraged him to focus on what he could still achieve.
Ali's experience highlights the broader challenges faced by millions of Pakistanis living with disabilities, who frequently encounter significant barriers to social inclusion, mobility, and employment. While a 2023 national census indicated that 3.1% of the population lives with a disability, human rights advocates suggest that the actual number is likely much higher.
