Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday lauded two local heroes, Muhammad Hilal Khan and Asmat Ali, who bravely rescued stranded tourists during a recent incident in Swat using a makeshift boat and announced Umrah and civil award nomination for them.
Governor Kundi praised the courage and humanitarian spirit of the young men, commending their selfless act of risking their own lives to save others.
He presented them with honorary shields in recognition of their bravery and announced that they would be sent for Umrah at his personal expense.
In a further tribute to their heroism, the Governor declared that he would recommend both Muhammad Hilal Khan and Asmat Ali for a national civil award, emphasizing that such acts of valor deserve to be officially honored.
“These young men put their lives on the line and used an improvised boat to rescue tourists. Their bravery and commitment to humanity are truly commendable,” the Governor said.
He also directed the Chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to strengthen the Swat chapter’s emergency response capabilities. This includes attaching boats to the Swat-based ambulances to ensure rapid rescue operations in case of future flooding or emergencies.
Governor Kundi stressed the importance of preparing for natural disasters and enhancing local capacity to respond effectively, saying that equipping ambulances with boats will significantly improve rescue efforts in flood-prone areas like Swat.
Saudi Ambassador
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi met with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, during a visit to the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Governor Kundi expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Saudi Arabia’s support to Pakistan during the Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos (Decisive Truth). He acknowledged the Kingdom’s continued cooperation and assistance during times of need.
The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and broader issues concerning the Muslim world.
Governor Kundi praised the King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Muhammed bin Salman for their visionary leadership and exemplary efforts for the progress and unity of the Muslim Ummah.
He paid special tribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2035, recognizing it as a forward-looking plan for development and leadership across the Islamic world.
The Governor also appreciated the humanitarian work of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and acknowledged the contributions and concerns of KP residents living in Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Al-Maliki welcomed Governor Kundi’s sentiments and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Muslim unity.
He also acknowledged the historic role of Pakistan Peoples Party founder Shaheed Zulfikqar Ali Bhutto in promoting Islamic solidarity, which continues to be respected across the Muslim world.
The ambassador extended heartfelt condolences on the recent Swat tragedy and conveyed the sympathies and well-wishes of the Saudi leadership and people to the affected families.