Mr. Mehboob Ali had been operating a small hair-cutting salon at Shehbaz More, Permal, since 2022. As the sole earner for a family of seven, including his parents, brother, wife, and unmarried sister, his salon was the only reliable source of household income.
Living in a modest hut in Village Ghulam Mustafa Sangrasi, Mehboob Ali earned approximately PKR 700 per day to support his family.
On 21 March 2025, a gas leak from a nearby welding shop caused a fire in the market, severely damaging seven shops. Mr. Mehboob Ali’s salon was completely destroyed, including all furniture, equipment, and business inventory. With no savings or external support, he was unable to restart his business.
His father’s income as a tractor driver was only enough to meet the family’s basic household needs, leaving Mehboob Ali with no option but to consider working at another salon on daily wages or a sharing basis.
To help restore his livelihood, RDCO and philanthropist Ms. Shazeena provided essential salon equipment, including a salon chair, counter, mirror, and styling kits. This timely assistance enabled Mehboob Ali to independently reopen his business and reclaim his primary source of income.
“I had no option to restore my shop and was thinking of working at another salon on daily wages. Now, I am again the owner of my own business.”
Today, his salon is operating successfully. His average daily income has increased from PKR 700 to PKR 1,600, significantly improving his family’s financial stability.
With his improved income, Mr. Mehboob Ali has also:
Mr. Mehboob Ali’s journey demonstrates how timely livelihood assistance can help vulnerable families recover from unexpected shocks, rebuild their businesses, and regain financial independence and dignity.
