Jamila

I first met Jamila in 1941 when I was about 12 years old. The moment I set eyes upon her, I was blown away. I knew then that she was going to be my companion for life. I think she did, too.

In the succeeding years, we faced many difficulties in continuing our relationship, spending many years apart. Those were very difficult times, but we persevered.

Finally, in 1953, we got married, and have been together ever since, except for another period of separation that commenced when I was sent to prison in 1972, and lasted till my release in 1978. A difficult time for both of us, but she faced it with great courage and determination. She was the one who enabled me to hold myself together, and survive it in relatively good form. Largely through her regular visits to me in prison, wherever I was kept -- even in that hell-hole, Bahawalnagar!

We moved to Canada in 1979 with our children, Afroze and Yawar, and have lived happily there ever since.