Aslam was an average Memon, uneducated and moderately religious. He had seen his father die at the age of 63, suffering from diabetes and heart disease. So he should have taken extra care, but no, that would have meant eating only what was necessary and walking a lot. He believed firmly that no matter what he did, he would suffer if it was in his stars. As for dying early, that had been decided even before he was born, so there was no sense worrying about death.
So he went on stuffing himself and leading a sedentary life, developing diabetes and heart problems. He never had a regular job, for many years he had subsisted on charity, yet he fathered five children, because he had heard countless times that those who practiced birth control would be consigned to the fire.
So, at the age of 58, he passed away. I know most Pakistanis won't agree, but if he had been educated, his fate would have been different. He would have known that diabetes can be controlled, he would have known that obesity results in many diseases, but no, to believe such things is akin to blasphemy. His poor wife (who works as a maid and cleaning woman) will now have to raise those five children (the youngest is just ten months old).
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