Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — A weekend of heavy rains has brought not only the memory of the lives of 123 residents who were swept away during the devastating floods of November 2009, but also Farman Ali Khan, the Pakistani martial arts champion who drowned after rescuing 14 people.



Saudis expressed their gratitude to the Pakistani hero on various social media channels over the past few days as heavy rains lashed Jeddah.



“Whenever it rains in Jeddah, we always remember Farman Ali Khan,” tweeted Abdulrahman Al-Olaina.



He went on: “He saved many lives and we will always be grateful to him.” Majed Al Shikhi posted on Facebook, “On this rainy day, pray for Farman Ali Khan.” He added: "He died while performing a heroic act."



Nasir Al-Thunayan said, "You will remain in our hearts forever, we will not forget you and your life is endowed for our sons. Farman Ali Khan is Jeddah’s hero."



Saeed Baqabas responded to other Twitter users, “People in Jeddah agree that Farman's memory must live on in the city.”



In his next message Baqbas said, “We are happy that he was recognized from the highest level of Saudi Arabia.”



He added: “Farman Ali Khan saved lives and reminded everyone that one person with courage can make a difference.”



For his bravery, Farman was posthumously awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal by Saudi Arabia. The Pakistani government has also conferred a gallantry medal of bravery on him.



As a gesture of the nation's gratitude to the brave Pakistani, Farman's family members performed Haj as royal guests on the invitation of Custodian of the Holy Mosques King Abdullah, a main road in the city has been named after him and his brother was granted a scholarship from King Saud University.