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Of the roasted corncobs on the way to Malam Jabba

Of the roasted corncobs on the way to Malam Jabba

The popular snack puts a smile on every visitor of the Malam Jabba ski resort
31 Jul, 2016

MINGORA: Before reaching the top of Malam Jabba ski resort, tourists pass through a thick forest on a zigzag road, where dozens of cold water springs, cool breeze and green pastures leave them in awe.

Their excitement doubles when they suddenly catch the smell of roasted corncobs sold by a boy at his roadside shed.

Garnished with salt, chili powder and lemon juice, roasted corncobs is the snack tourists love to munch on in the chilly weather and heavenly environment.

“When we reached here, the atmosphere forced us to take a pause and enjoy the serenity and beauty of the area. Enjoying the natural beauty, we smelt roasting corncobs so we’d them,” Kamran Zia, a tourist from Faisalabad, said.

He said cool chilly weather was the best time to eat roasted corncob.

“Taste of the roasted corncobs sold here is different. I’ve found them more delicious than what I eat in my hometown possibly due to local environment,” said Ishrat Usman, a tourist from Peshawar.

The earnings of corncob seller Ayanullah, member of a poor family, is the major source of his family’s livelihood.

“On average, I earn from Rs300 to Rs500 daily and most of it is used to buy food for family,” he said.

The child complained about his erratic income and said high sales were seen in the summer season when tourists showed up in large numbers.

“The tourist season lasts three months at maximum. Thereafter, I take up the hard job of a labourer. I enjoy smiles on the faces of tourists approaching me for roasted corncobs,” he said.

The child said he always prayed for a huge influx of tourists during the summer season for better earnings.

He said most of his clients belonged to Punjab and majority of them were women.


Originally published in Dawn, July 31st, 2016

Comments

smabren Jul 31, 2016 04:14pm
Nice photo of him with good details! he is a true inspiration of his family may Allah exceed his resources
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Khan-haqiqi Aug 01, 2016 03:39am
Good luck bro May Allah increase your income
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Ahmar Qureshi Aug 01, 2016 10:21am
The caption of this article has triggered my cravings to have a bite of this corn! :-)
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Ahmar Qureshi Aug 05, 2016 11:03am
Allah is there to elevate the income of this hard worker!
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