Story
Every morning, as the city slumbers, an unseen world stirs to life. It’s a world of resilience, hope, and quiet determination—a world where people hustle to make ends meet long before the first rays of sunlight touch the ground.
In this photo series, I’ve captured the raw and unfiltered stories of these early risers. Among them is Saleem, a 21-year-old with a soft smile and a strong resolve. Saleem’s day begins before dawn. He boards a crowded bus from his modest neighborhood to Johar Road, carrying the weight of his family’s livelihood on his shoulders. Saleem cleans the streets and collects garbage—an unglamorous yet essential job. His hands are rough from the work, but his spirit remains unbroken.
“I want to make something better for my younger siblings,” Saleem says, his voice calm but determined. After hours of back-breaking work, he takes the bus home, tired but satisfied, knowing his efforts put food on the table.
The photos also show shopkeepers arranging their displays, chai vendors brewing the first pot of tea, and street workers wiping dust off their surroundings. Their stories may seem ordinary, but their perseverance makes them extraordinary. These individuals don’t just prepare for the day—they shape it.
“Morning Struggles, Everyday Heroes” is not just about work; it’s about the humanity in their efforts. It’s about the pride Saleem takes in his work, the care a vendor puts into setting up his shop, and the hope they all carry in their hearts. These are the faces that remind us of the beauty and dignity in labor, often overlooked but undeniably essential.
At 5:30 AM, he quietly sets up boards on the roadside, starting his day before most of the city even stirs.
Before the sun fully rises, he unloads heavy water gallons at the supermarket, his quiet effort ensuring the shelves are ready for the day.
The milk and dairy shop is the first to open its shutters, the owner arranging fresh supplies as the city slowly begins to wake up
At dawn, the famous Mamu Biryani and other biryani spots begin their cleaning ritual, prepping their kitchens to serve the flavors that fuel the city
Mr. Sameer meticulously arranges glasses on his thailaa, creating perfect leading lines that reflect his dedication to even the smallest details.
Sameer Gul carefully arranges helmets in neat patterns on his rerhi, adding a touch of artistry to his hard work as he readies for the day ahead
“An elderly man starts his day early, delivering dairy products and buns to marts, his quiet dedication keeping the shelves stocked for morning shoppers
Usman Khan prepares his thela, arranging his vegetables and fruits with care, setting the stage for another busy day of serving his customers
Usman Khan’s son lending him a helping hand in his small business
As the morning light breaks, a group of laborers patiently waits, ready to start their day, hoping for the work that will feed their families
With a gentle pull, the shopkeeper opens his shelter, the first step in a long day of work that keeps the wheels of the neighborhood turning
The chicken supplier begins his day early, delivering fresh poultry to various shops, ensuring they’re stocked and ready for customers.
The chicken supplier begins his day early, delivering fresh poultry to various shops, ensuring they’re stocked and ready for customers.
Taking a brief pause from his busy morning, the rickshaw driver enjoys a simple breakfast at the rickshaw garh, gearing up for the day ahead
