A Pakistani man killed in the Christchurch Mosque attacks has been posthumously honoured with Pakistan’s highest award for civilian bravery.
Naeem Rashid was praying at the Al Noor mosque with his eldest son, 21-year-old Talha, when the gunman opened fire.
Seeing his son shot, the 50-year-old teacher rushed at the gunman in an attempt to tackle him. He was fatally wounded during his heroic act.
On Saturday afternoon, his family received the Nishan-e-shuj’at honour on his behalf at ceremony in Christchurch. His wife, Ambreen Naeem accepted the award on her husband’s behalf.
“He was a man with great courage and bravery and the world is honouring him so it’s a big honour for me as well,” she says. It’s only the fourth time this medal’s been given out in 72 years and the first time outside of Pakistan.
“He saved lives on that day, a number of lives,” says investiture ceremony organiser Qaiser Rashid. “He had his young son next to him. They gave their lives to save many lives – that’s a great thing.”
Alongside his mother was the couple’s 19-year-old son Abdullah, who says his dad is a hero. “I’m really blessed to have a father who fought for what’s right and stood up against evil,” he says.
“It’s not only for me, it’s for everybody to reflect on the fact that something can be done against evil if you stand up against it.” It’s an act of bravery honoured and remembered by a family and a community who’ve also shown nothing but courage in the face of an unthinkable act.
Source: Newshub
Featured image: Credits: Newshub
