Fahad is a successful patriarch. Though he himself did not finish his education past grade 5, he is a progressive man and a strong believer in education. Twenty-five years ago, he moved to Dhok Maliyar, a town in Islamabad with no more than 7,000 residents. In the years since, Fahad has provided for a large family, and become an anchor in the community who is seen as someone people rely on. Fahad built his career as a carpenter, but despite his experience, his success in business has been mixed. He has previously entered partnerships with jewelers, which helped secure business, and he even became a sole owner of several showrooms. However, these arrangements did not safeguard him against the competing carpentry talent, done by workers who were more efficient but produced lower quality furniture. Eventually, many of Fahad’s partnerships discontinued and with the loss of business, he was no longer able to pay his staff.