A story of courage

Sheikh Faizan Raza along with his staff 

Sheikh Faizan Raza, 18 year old, hard of hearing is a student of A-Level, sells food items with

two deaf mates in a local market at Islamabad. He wants to become entrepreneur. To achieve

career goal, he establishes food stall, named “Abey KHAO”.

He gives an artistic touch to his moveable pushing cart stall. The logo is made of “English

mustache, classic glasses with funny eyes” attracts customers. The menu is written on board

with yellow chalk, looks very artistic. On the left side of stall there is a quote “Let’s break the

barriers, if we can learn your language so can you!”

They offer homemade, good quality snacks. He himself, with help of mother and sister prepares

all food items at home. Faizan came up with the idea to start a business at the very young age

where he recruits Deaf Youth to empower them.

Mohsin, 27 and Yasin Sheraz 28, are deaf and graduate. They haven't previous relevant

experiences. Faizan first trained and now supervise them. He improves their confidence level.

They work at the Food Stand, fry the items and serve the customers in gracious manner. To

overcome the communication barriers, the blackboard has been arranged with the food stand

where menus listed. The sign language of numbers is displayed on the blackboard to facilitate the

customers in making order.

Faizan says “Abey KHAO offers different variety of snacks and fries. Our menu isn't fixed; we

change it after every week”. “Without compromising on quality, we offer food at very

economical price as compare to other brands in market. It is affordable for all class of people.

Recently, we have experienced that even beggars bought food from us at Iftar time.”

Ayesha Raza the elder sister of Faizan says “I search different recipes, tried at home. The best

one is selected for Abey KHAO’s menu.” She helps younger brother in getting food ready every

day.

Jawad Ahmed, Faizan elder brother says “Deaf Youth in Pakistan are facing challenges of

unemployment despite their qualification. The main reasons of this challenge are poor quality of

educations leading to lack of skills and being unaccepted by the society.”

As a student, Faizan didn't have enough investment to start business. All contribution and

supports were shared by family members. Currently, in Ramzan, they offer food from 05:00pm

till 11:30pm.

Abey KHAO is at initial stage of the business, started during the month of Ramzan. They are

introducing new food items, planning marketing. The averages sales make per day are 3,000.

Jawad Ahmad says “Faizan came up with the whole idea, he design stall. It took two months.”

Faizan sister says “I am the first person with whom he shared his plan; I like idea from the very

beginning. I knew it will be something really unique and creative.”

Faizan and his team members, Mohsin & Sheraz, are facing challenge with "a notion that a

person running business seems like they failed in studies". “Communication barrier isn't high

because they have overcome it and customers like the way they serve.” Says Jawad

Customer Tariq says “I have rarely had a poise to communicate with deaf persons, it was pretty

difficult, and food stall changed my mindset. I had a really great time and a wonderful

communication experience, learned some sign language jargons.”

Faizan has been inspired by his own Father, who is Deaf, running a successful independent

business of Tailoring in Islamabad, where most of his staff is Deaf. He encouraged Faizan to

start business.

Instead of regular classes Faizan is planning to study A-Level in a private academy where he will

attempt two papers in each session and give the rest of attention to the business.

Faizan mother Raffat Raza says “My son is hard of hearing but he never considers his disability

as a barrier in fulfilling his dreams. Abey KHAO is one of my son’s dreams that have come true.

I pray that may this business is going to be life changing experience him”

“I like the quality of food, neatness of stall is absolutely perfect. I would suggest everyone, to

visit the stall. The price of food is also normal.” Says customer Mehak

Energetic Faizan, Co-Founder & Photographer of Pakistan Youth Federation of Deaf and Hard

of Hearing (PYFDH), He started an online business of traditional kids wear with the name of

"Bachay" that wasn't successful but he learned a lot from previous experience. His interest in

cooking and study about the biography of different entrepreneurs helped him to start this

business.