RAWALPINDI: A 73-year-old food rider in Pakistan, who catapulted to fame on social media after his video interview was widely shared by netizens, says he took up the job because it's an "honourable" living.
Fayyaz Akhter Faizi, a former government servant, had invested in a mobile shop, which he ran with his only son, after his retirement from Pakistan’s finance ministry in 2003.
The business continued to thrive for many years until the coronavirus pandemic disrupted economic activities across the world. Faced with mounting bills, including rent of his shop and household expenses, Faizi was forced to take out loans that soon jumped to Rs13 lakh ($7,737).
Though he had not reported to anyone for years since his retirement, Faizi wasn’t reluctant to jump back into the saddle following a shift in his financial circumstances.
“It is an honorable thing to work, so I was not hesitant to leave my retired life and get back to work,” he said. “After all this work, I have managed to pay off about Rs9 lakh ($5,356).”
At an age of 73, Faizi said, it was not easy to land a job in Pakistan, but I knew I would not be discriminated against on the basis of my age at Food Panda, a leading food delivery service in Pakistan, whose riders can easily be recognized in their signature pink and grey polos, and bikes with bubblegum pink bags mounted on them.
Asked about the response he received during the last one year on his new job, Faizi said it had always been overwhelmingly positive. “I got a lot of good response, goodwill and encouragement from everybody,” he said.
Reached for a comment, Food Panda said its aim was to “create economic empowerment and freedom in the country.”
“Our platform provides freedom to work,” a company spokesperson said. “Fayyaz is a role model for everyone, who wants to earn a living by working flexibly on their own terms.”
But despite all his energy and positive approach to life, Faizi finds it "tough" to make ends meet in his advanced years.
“Although my son and I have been making rental payments and house bills, we are still struggling to live,” he told Arab News. “It can be very tough.”
A few weeks ago, the elderly rider met an accident that landed him in a hospital for two days. Already a heart patient, Faizi's woes and medical bills multiplied after the accident.
“I am working again but I cannot function as fast as I previously did,” he said. “I still need a bit more healing to do. But I am very grateful to Food Panda for once again providing me the opportunity to earn. I will work forever, for however long I can.”
As Faizi’s video went viral, several social media users also reached out to support him financially, something he feels grateful about and says it would immensely help him.
