PM Imran tweets inspiring interview of Christchurch hero Naeem Rashid's widow

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday paid tribute to the widow of Pakistani national Naeem Rashid, who heroically sacrificed his life while trying to stop a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15.

The premier tweeted an inspiring interview of Ambreen Naeem, whose husband and son were among the 50 martyrs of the terrorist attack. 

“For all those within and outside the Muslim world these words of Shaheed Naeem Rashid's wife should make everyone understand the power of faith in Allah and Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him),” PM Imran wrote.

“How this faith in Allah and His Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) transforms humans into strong and loving beings who can even feel pity for a terrorist, a mass murderer, who took away their loved ones,” the prime minister added.

In the interview, the aggrieved widow shared that her husband was a brave and loving man and love is what made him do what he did.

Rashid, a resident of Jinnahabad in Abbottabad and a professor in New Zealand, was present at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch when a white supremacist terrorist opened fire at the worshippers. Rashid was injured in his bid to overpower the attacker, but passed away a day later after succumbing to his injuries.

His son, 22-year-old Talha Naeem, a civil engineering graduate, was among those who lost their lives in the shooting.

When asked about her son who was also martyred in the attack, Ambreen said he [Talha] was a caring son and that he is an inspiration for their other children. "We tell our children to be like him," she said.

Responding to a question about the gunman, Ambreen said she felt sad and pity for the terrorist that he had hate in his heart and could not feel peace.

When asked if the incident will stop her from going back into a mosque, she said, “I have learned that it will not stop me from going back. It has made me stronger."

Earlier, the prime minister had announced Rashid will be recognised for his courage with a national award.