Answer the following questions briefly.

The postmaster says to Ali, "What a pest you are, brother!" Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons for your answer.

Ali is by no means a 'pest'. His firmness of purpose, sheer determination, undying hope and patience, strong faith, endurance, deep love for his daughter is admirable and create a deep impression on the readers. Ali was old, feeble, and isolated but his love for his daughter and desire to receive news of her well-being in her letter gives him a purpose in his life. His remaining years and existence depend on receiving his daughter's letter which would give hope to his meaningless life and heal his suffering and pain. He does not give up, despite all odds and hopelessness, and returns to the post office daily to wait for his letter, even if he is hurt by the postmaster's rebuking and jeering of others. When he nears his final days, he begs the clerk to deliver his letter to his grave.