Sir: Punjab Police arrested Muhammad Fayyaz for testing his flying-machine, a small aircraft he assembled in Pakpattan. Hailing from Arifwala, Muhammad Fayyaz is a popcorn-seller and part-time security guard. He dreamt to be a pilot but had to quit studies before matric due to financial hardships. He made a small aircraft from his saving and a bank loan of Rs 50,000. The police confiscated his plane during the trial run for violating rules. According to the FIR, Fayaz was apprehended for building an aircraft without a permit and performing aerobatics in the makeshift flying machine.
When Waqar Siddiqui announced that he could make run car through water as fuel. He was applauded by Parliamentarian Khurshid Shah but the idea later could not stand on its legs for obvious reasons. On the other hand, harsh treatment was given to Muhammad Fayyaz for brain-storming and inventing something new.
We have stooped so low that we cannot appreciate people with innovative ideas and instead of holding their finger, we try to crush their geniuses. Civil Aviation Authorities must nurture the ideas of Fayyaz that may prove cost-beneficial for this poverty stricken country where travelling through air is on a dream for poor people.
IFTIHAR MIRZA
Islamabad