Christchurch attack: PM announces national award for martyred hero Naeem Rashid

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that the sacrifice of Naeem Rashid, who embraced martyrdom while tackling the white supremacist terrorist in deadly Christchurch attack, will be recognised with a national award.

“Pakistan is proud of Mian Naeem Rashid,” the premier took to Twitter on Sunday to make the announcement.

Extending the government’s all-out support to the aggrieved families, he wrote on the micro-blogging website: “We stand ready to extend all our support to the families of Pakistani victims of the terrorist attack in Christchurch.”

At least 50 people were killed and dozens wounded in the deadly attack which New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said was “one of the darkest days in New Zealand” after she referred to it as terrorism.

Rashid, hailing from Abbottabad, received bullet wounds as he tried to overpower the shooter as he entered one of the mosques in Christchurch.

He succumbed to his wounds while under treatment following the attack and was identified as the individual who rushed at the right-wing terrorist attacking the mosque.

His son, Talha Rashid also lost his life in the same attack. Rashid’s brother Dr Khurshid Alam also confirmed the deaths.

In a separate tweet on Saturday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal had said that Rashid and his son will be buried in Christchurch, adding that arrangements for the burial are in place. He said the Muslim community and a Pakistani association in the city were assisting in arrangements.

Speaking to CNN in Abbottabad, Dr Alam said his brother was residing in New Zealand for seven years and was a teacher at a university. “My nephew was a student,” he said.