Wednesday 30 / October / 2024
MUSCAT: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, Mohammed Imran Ali Chaudhry, paid an emotional tribute to the Pakistani nationals who lost their lives while saving others during the tragic shooting incident in Wadi Kabir on Monday night.
Their selfless bravery, he emphasised, reflects the true spirit and valour of the Pakistani people and deserves highest recognition.
In a video clip released by the Pakistan Embassy, Ali said: “In the finest traditions of our country, these brave souls stepped forward without hesitation, fully aware of the imminent danger. They took bullets to their chests, saving countless precious lives and bringing them to safety.”
During the shootout, four Pakistani nationals, one Indian national and a Royal Oman Police (ROP) personnel were martyred. All the three assailants, which later the ROP confirmed were brothers, were also shot dead.
One of the four Pakistani heroes, who laid down his life, Sulaiman Nawaz from Wazirabad, exemplified courage. “Suleiman ventured into the line of automatic fire to shield others but was martyred in the process,” the ambassador recounted, highlighting this as an embodiment of Husseiniyat.
“As the attackers were entrenched atop a building, four of our compatriots, fully aware of the life-threatening danger, nonetheless endeavoured to rescue others. Their gallantry in the face of certain death deserves the highest recognition, whether from Oman or Pakistan,” Ali asserted.
The Wadi Kabir tragedy not only saw the brave sacrifices of Pakistani nationals but also claimed the lives of an Indian civilian, Basha Jan Ali Hussain, and an Omani policeman, Yousuf Al Nadabbi. The Omani policeman valiantly attempted to neutralise the attackers before succumbing to his injuries.
The ambassador also praised the local administration and the Royal Oman Police (ROP) for their efforts.
“He was also one among us, our very own son. He closed the doors of the mosque. If he had not done it, then many people would have been killed,” the ambassador said.
Eyewitness accounts corroborated the ambassador’s praise for Sulaiman. “Sulaiman tried to save an elderly woman and several children outside the mosque compound. As the firing intensified, he was hit but continued guiding others to safety between parked cars,” one witness recalled.
“Even as he gasped for breath, Sulaiman directed the children to a safe route into the mosque. Despite having sustained multiple gunshot wounds, he remained focused on saving others until he collapsed,” the witness added.
He assured that the Pakistani government and embassy stand with the victims’ families during this time of profound grief.
“The gallantry of our countrymen, along with the bravery of the Indian civilian and Omani policeman, will be etched in history. Their sacrifices will be remembered for generations, and books will be written about their heroism,” the ambassador added.
