A 28-year-old man in Pakistan’s capital has overcome the loss of his legs in a road accident five years ago to continue his work as a meal delivery rider. Hamza Ali now navigates the streets of Islamabad using a modified motorcycle equipped with hand-operated controls.
Ali, who previously worked for the delivery platform Foodpanda, lost both his legs when a bus he was traveling in collided with a truck. He described the first six months after the accident as "extremely difficult" but resolved to find a way to support himself. After nearly three years of unsuccessful job searches in his hometown of Multan, where employers reportedly dismissed him due to his disability, Ali relocated to Islamabad in 2023.
A friend advised him that the capital city's wider roads would be more conducive to riding a modified motorcycle. Using his savings, Ali adapted his bike and approached Foodpanda to reactivate his rider account. The company questioned his confidence in performing the job, to which he affirmed his readiness.
Since resuming his work, Ali has become one of the top-performing delivery riders, according to his colleagues. He expresses a rejection of pity directed toward individuals with disabilities, stating, "I can earn my own living." He credits his mother as his primary source of strength, for encouraging him to concentrate on what he could still achieve.
Millions of Pakistanis live with disabilities and often face significant barriers to employment, mobility, and social inclusion. While the 2023 national census indicated that 3.1% of the population has a disability, human rights advocates suggest the actual figure is likely higher.