While making this video, I felt immense happiness because it proved one thing clearly: the voices of poor people are still heard.
For the past seven years, many street vendors and shoulder sellers in Lahore had been suffering due to repeated actions by the PHA/PERA enforcement teams. These hardworking people were often stopped, harassed, and taken to police stations as if they were dangerous criminals. Their only “crime” was trying to earn a lawful livelihood for their families.
One such person was Irfan, who approached us on 7 August 2025. His video later went viral on social media. He explained that he did not want to beg. He wanted to work honestly and earn through hard labor. However, even that opportunity was being taken away from him.
Irfan and many others survive by shoulder selling. They carry goods on their shoulders and sell them while walking through streets and neighborhoods. They cannot afford shops, and no one is willing to give them jobs. Despite this, they still chose dignity and hard work over begging.
After hearing their story, applications were submitted to several authorities, including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, relevant departments, and even the Chief Minister of Punjab. Videos highlighting their struggles were also created and shared publicly. Their voices eventually reached influential circles, including members of a committee chaired by Minister Awais Virk, who raised this issue and supported the cause.
When the authorities failed to decide the applications, a constitutional petition was filed before the Lahore High Court. The matter came before Justice Awais Khalid, who played a remarkable role in ensuring that justice was done. The Court directed the authorities to properly hear and decide the representations submitted by these vendors.
Initially, the matter was sent to the Assistant Commissioner of Model Town, but no practical solution emerged. A second round of litigation followed, after which the matter was referred to the Commissioner.
Finally, in the third round of litigation, a major breakthrough came. Maryam Khan issued a powerful and humane decision. The Commissioner recognized that shoulder sellers like Irfan were neither creating encroachments nor disturbing public order. They were simply trying to earn halal and lawful income for their families.
As a result, these vendors were allowed to continue their work without unnecessary harassment.
This decision deserves appreciation from both the judiciary and the executive authorities. On one side, the judiciary ensured that the voices of the poor were heard, and on the other side, the administration showed compassion and fairness in resolving the matter.
Irfan emotionally stated that the decision restored his faith that justice still exists for ordinary people. He shared that he has three daughters and that seeing officers and judges stand for truth gave him hope for the future of his children.
This case is an important reminder that poor people do not always seek charity — many simply want the freedom to work honestly and provide food for their families with dignity. What they ask for is simple: they should not be humiliated, their goods should not be confiscated, and they should not face unnecessary legal action while trying to earn a lawful livelihood.
The entire episode also highlighted an important reality: when officials truly listen to people, justice becomes meaningful. The larger the authority, the larger the responsibility to protect those who are vulnerable.
Special appreciation is also due to Awais Virk for raising the issue at the committee level and supporting the rights of these hardworking citizens.
This story is not just about one man named Irfan. It is about every struggling worker who continues to believe that truth, patience, and lawful effort can still lead to justice.