A young Pakistani worker in Oman has become an international hero after putting his own life at risk to save two Indian nationals trapped in a car swept away by deadly floodwaters, in a breathtaking rescue captured on video and watched by millions worldwide.
The rescuer was identified as 25-year-old Shahzad Khan, a worker from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa based in Barka. He said a large crowd had gathered near the flooded wadi, many recording videos, when a vehicle attempting to cross the water became trapped in the current.
The widely circulated video footage powerfully documents Khan’s incredible bravery. It shows him carefully climbing onto the partially submerged vehicle, battling against the immense pressure of the floodwaters. His initial attempts to break the car windows proved futile. Undeterred, Khan resourcefully found stones and used them to shatter the glass, finally creating an opening to reach those trapped inside.
Khan eventually managed to pull both Indian occupants out of the vehicle, and people standing above helped haul them to safety. He told reporters, “God gave me the responsibility and the courage. It was pure instinct. I just acted.”
Shahzad Khan was later honoured by the Embassy of Pakistan in Muscat and senior community leaders in recognition of his bravery during the severe weather event.
The flooding had already killed at least 10 people across Oman, with dozens more rescued as wadis overflowed and floodwaters swept through residential areas. Khan’s selfless act has become a powerful symbol of humanity transcending national boundaries.
