I am sorry to hear about Mrs Boota's predicament and hope that the problem gets resolved before too long. In view of my long association with such situations in the west, I suggest that it probably will do good to give the local boss a chance to explain in writing why he is refusing Mr Boota to leave the premises of the Exchange building, and why his January salary has not been paid out. At the same, a copy of this mail should be sent to the higher tier of management. Now, I know that a procedure is in place in Pakistan to deal with such matters. I would urge you to take this route. This process may drag on, and if does, you and your family need to prepare yourself for it. I am willing to help in two ways, if you act on my advice. First, I will write to the concerned authorities. Secondly, as a temporary measure, I will send you some money to help you pay for your basic household needs (in this case you must tell me if your husband runs a bank account or not. This means that a crossed draft can be paid into his account). Yours sincerely Swaali