Jinnah's gravedigger contented with life despite not getting special treatment

Karachi, June 5 (ANI): Noor Muhammad, who has been running a flower shop in the Kacchi Qabristan for the past decade or so ever since he retired as a Gorkhan or grave digger in 1990's, is not discontented despite being a part of Pakistan's history.

Noor Muhammad dug the graves of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, his younger sister Fatima Jinnah and the country's first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan.

Asked if he feels let down by the government, Noor Muhammad shook his head in disagreement. "I was a part of the country's history, but I am not entitled to any special treatment. I am content. Life is good," he added.

"I remember how our Sahab asked me to come to the police lines, from where I was taken quietly to Guru Mandir where the grave was dug," he said with a twinkle in the eye.

Also known as "Bhaiyya" by the people of the area, he said that the only time there was trouble was when Maadar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah was buried, The News reported.

"The Khojas came out on the roads and tried to burn cars and pelted stones. But the army was called in as Ayub Khan said that he would bury her at the Quaid's Mazar and the Khojas then dispersed."

Noor Muhammad worked as a gravedigger for the police department, but then retired and moved to Old Golimar where he continued to perform his duties.

He then set up his shop as he said he was too tired doing the same work for so many years. When asked how well his flower shop does, he laughs heartily.

His grand daughter, Mehurin Nisa, explained: "He does not come to sell flowers, he comes to spend time in the graveyard. This is where his heart is, under the shaded trees and cool breeze." (ANI)