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Hero of hope: Pakistani boy with autism sets out to run 100 km in Dubai

Suleman Jawad, 6, and his mother Qurratulain Jawad before a race at the Dubai Sports City Sport Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on July 28, 2020. (AN Photo by Asma Ali Zain)
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Updated 29 July 2020
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Hero of hope: Pakistani boy with autism sets out to run 100 km in Dubai

  • 6-year-old Suleman Jawad will run 100 kilometers in five weeks
  • He has already covered 50 kilometers since he first set out to meet the target on July 12
Updated 29 July 2020
ASMA ALI ZAIN

DUBAI: A Dubai-based Pakistani mother told Arab News on Tuesday that she wanted her 6-year-old autistic child to run 100 kilometers to raise awareness about the significance of sports for special needs children. 

Qurratulain Jawad shared her plan with people through a social media post earlier this month, asking community members to join her son, Suleman Jawad, in running for the cause. What she did not anticipate, however, was the overwhelming response to her call while scribbling the message. 

“Suleman is six, he is autistic and non-conversational,” she told Arab News, adding that he enjoyed running around. “He also has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). During the recent lockdown, this activity was not possible for him and it affected him a lot.” 

As soon as the lockdown was over, Suleman started running again. 

“This time he ran so much that I thought I should set a goal for him to achieve since he is always happy when we praise him after an achievement. So I set a target for him to run 100 kilometers over the next five weeks,” she added. 

Jawad spoke to Suleman’s coach, Hollie Murphy, the founder of Heroes of Hope, a non-for-profit organization that develops sports programs for children with special needs, of which Suleman is part. 

“Hollie thought it was a great idea and it would also motivate other parents. That’s when I asked other community members also to accompany Suleman,” she continued. 

The idea had to be dropped later since over 100 people volunteered to run alongside Suleman. 

“I was not expecting such a huge response, and we could not hold such gatherings during the pandemic due to social distancing requirements,” she said, adding that Suleman also developed a degree of anxiety while meeting new people. 

The young boy has already covered 50 kilometers since he first set out to meet the target on July 12, making his mother believe that he is likely to meet the goal ahead of the deadline. 

He runs on Kite Beach on Sundays, Marina Walk on Thursdays, and Dubai Sports City Sports Park on Mondays. 

Suleman sometimes runs about two kilometers and other times covers up to five, often stopping along the way if something catches his attention. 

His mother also accompanies him with his water bottle. 

“Since he can’t talk, I can only sense when he needs to re-hydrate and slow down,” she said.  

Running with him are two to three “buddies” from Heroes of Hope who often nudge him and physically remind him to run. “We are using sports in particular to bring the community together, create more awareness and, in general, improve the quality of life for people of determination,” said Murphy who founded the group in 2013. 

“We embrace all of them for who they are … We don’t see children for their autism or Down’s Syndrome; we just see them as our athletes,” she said. 

Murphy recalled meeting Suleman in December 2019. 

“The first time he came for a run in open air, it was a very overwhelming experience for him, but we asked his mum to keep bringing him so he could be familiarized with everything,” she said. 

She also informed that Suleman had transformed into a completely different child since the time he came for the first run. 

“For a 6-year-old to complete a 100-kilometer run is difficult. For a 6-year-old with autism, to complete 100 kilometers is almost like a mission impossible. Yet, he is making the target more achievable everyday,” Murphy said.

According to Jawad, running has channeled Suleman’s energy and calmed him down. “I hope other parents are motivated by this challenge and manage to find out what works best for their child,” she said.

Topics: Pakistan autism Dubai United Arab Emirates

Five Japanese workers narrowly escape suicide bombing in Karachi 

Updated 5 sec ago
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Five Japanese workers narrowly escape suicide bombing in Karachi 

  • Van attacked while heading to industrial area where five Japanese nationals worked at Pakistan Suzuki Motors
  • Insurgents have recently targeted Chinese working on projects relating to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Updated 5 sec ago
KHURSHID AHMED   

KARACHI: Five Japanese workers narrowly escaped on Friday after a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden vest near the van carrying them to their workplace, police said.
The Hiace van was on its way to an industrial area where the five Japanese nationals worked at Pakistan Suzuki Motors, according to local police chief Arshad Awan.
Police escorting the vehicle returned fire after coming under attack, killing an accomplice of the suicide bomber whose remains were found from the scene of the attack, he added. Three bystanders were wounded. 
“All the Japanese who were the target of the attack are safe,” Awan told media. 
Television footage on local news channels widely showed a damaged van, as police officers arrived at the scene of the attack. Awan said the three passersby who were wounded in the attack were in stable condition at a hospital.
Police were escorting the van after receiving reports about possible attacks on foreigners who are working in Pakistan on various Chinese-funded and other projects, said Tariq Mastoi, a senior police officer. He said a timely and quick response from the guards and police foiled the attack and both attackers were killed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident, according to a statement posted on X.
“Timely action by the police saved us from any major loss of life,” he said. “We will not rest until terrorism has been completely eradicated. We will thwart every nefarious act of disturbing the law and order situation.”
Murad Ali Shah, the chief minister of Sindh, of which Karachi is the provincial capital, directed the inspector general to submit a report after investigating the attack, including details on who the attackers were, where they came from, any information on their facilitators and details of explosives used in the blast.
He directed that immediate arrangements be made for the security of all foreigners in the province. 
“Anti-national elements want to disrupt law and order, which will not be allowed at any cost,” the CM said, praising what he called timely action of the police in thwarting the attack.
No one immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on a small separatist group or the Pakistani Taliban who have stepped up attacks on security forces.
In recent weeks, insurgents have also targeted Chinese who are working in Pakistan on projects relating to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which includes a multitude of megaprojects such as road construction, power plants and agriculture.
In March, five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed when a suicide bomber in northwest Pakistan rammed his explosive-laden car into a vehicle when they were heading to the Dasu Dam, the biggest hydropower project in Pakistan, where they worked.
However, Japanese working in Pakistan have not been the target of any such attacks.
With inputs from AP

Topics: Karachi blast Suicide Attack

Saudi deputy defense minister discusses security cooperation proposals with Pakistan army chief

Updated 12 min 18 sec ago
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Saudi deputy defense minister discusses security cooperation proposals with Pakistan army chief

  • Al-Otaibi arrived in Pakistan earlier this week to finalize defense-related bilateral projects
  • Saudi official participates in the Fifth Meeting of Pakistan-KSA Defense Collaboration
Updated 12 min 18 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Assistant Defense Minister Talal Bin Abdullah Bin Turki Al-Otaibi called on Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir on Friday and discussed defense collaboration projects, the Pakistani military said on Friday. 
Al-Otaibi arrived in Pakistan earlier this week to finalize defense-related bilateral projects, according to the Pakistani defense ministry. His visit follows on the heels of a two-day visit to Islamabad by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, aimed at enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and pushing forward previously agreed investment deals. Pakistan has said it pitched investment projects worth$30 billion to Riyadh during Prince Faisal’s visit.
“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and measures to further enhance bilateral defense collaboration including defense production and military training were discussed,” the Pakistan army statement said. 
“COAS affirmed Pakistan Army’s continuing support toward capacity building of Royal Saudi Land Forces.
“Both sides reiterated their resolve to solidify the efforts in defense collaboration with focused approach to target specific capabilities in land, air and sea domains. In this context, concrete proposals were deliberated by the forum to meet tangible objectives within specific timelines.”

In this handout photo, taken and released by Pakistan’s Inter-Service Public Relations on April 19, 2024, Saudi Assistant Defense Minister Talal Bin Abdullah Bin Turki Al-Otaibi attends Pakistan-KSA Defense Collaboration meeting, co-chaired by Chief of General Staff Pakistan Army, during his visit to the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)

Al-Otaibi also participated in the Fifth Meeting of Pakistan-KSA Defense Collaboration at the Pakistan army’s headquarters in Rawalpindi. 
The forum discussed challenges to global and regional security and noted that rapid advancements in modern technologies “necessitated defense industrial cooperation in critical capabilities between the two brotherly countries.”
“The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan Army’s achievements and sacrifices in war against terrorism and Army’s valuable contributions toward regional peace and stability,” the army’s statement said. 
Pakistan maintains close military ties with Saudi Arabia, providing extensive support, arms, and training to the Saudi armed forces. 
Since the 1970s, Pakistani soldiers have been stationed in Saudi Arabia to protect the Kingdom and Pakistan has also been providing training to Saudi soldiers and pilots. The two nations also regularly carry out multidimensional joint ventures and defense exercises.

Topics: Pakistan Army ISPR Pakistan Saudi Ties

Five Japanese workers narrowly escape suicide bombing that targeted their vehicle in Pakistan

Updated 30 min 56 sec ago
AP
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Five Japanese workers narrowly escape suicide bombing that targeted their vehicle in Pakistan

  • Van had been heading to an industrial area where the five Japanese nationals worked at Pakistan Suzuki Motors
  • Insurgents have also targeted Chinese working on Pakistan on projects relating to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Updated 30 min 56 sec ago
AP

KARACHI: A suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden vest near a van carrying Japanese autoworkers, who narrowly escaped the attack Friday that wounded three bystanders in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi, police said.
The van had been heading to an industrial area where the five Japanese nationals worked at Pakistan Suzuki Motors, local police chief Arshad Awan said. He said police escorting the Japanese returned fire after coming under attack, killing an accomplice of the suicide bomber whose remains were found from the scene of the attack.
“All the Japanese who were the target of the attack are safe,” he said.
Images on local news channels showed a damaged van, as police officers arrived at the scene of the attack. Awan said the three passersby who were wounded in the attack were in stable condition at a hospital.
Police were escorting the van after receiving reports about possible attacks on foreigners who are working in Pakistan on various Chinese-funded and other projects, said Tariq Mastoi, a senior police officer. He said a timely and quick response from the guards and police foiled the attack and both attackers were killed.
No one immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on a small separatist group or Pakistani Taliban who have stepped up attacks on security forces in recent years. Insurgents have also targeted Chinese who are working on Pakistan on projects relating to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which includes a multitude of megaprojects such as road construction, power plants and agriculture.
In March, five Chinese and their Pakistani driver were killed when a suicide bomber in northwest Pakistan rammed his explosive-laden car into a vehicle when they were heading to the Dasu Dam, the biggest hydropower project in Pakistan, where they worked.
However, Japanese working in Pakistan have not been target of any such attacks.
Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan and the capital of southern Sindh province.

Topics: Suicide Attack Karachi

Pakistan police kill bomber, militant to thwart attack on Japanese nationals

Updated 19 April 2024
Reuters
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Pakistan police kill bomber, militant to thwart attack on Japanese nationals

  • Japanese survivors moved to a safe place in police custody, police says
  • No immediate claim of responsibility for the attack from any militant group
Updated 19 April 2024
Reuters

KARACHI: Police in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi shot down a suicide bomber and a militant on Friday as they attacked a vehicle carrying five Japanese nationals, all of whom survived, a police spokesperson said.
Islamist militants seeking to overthrow the government and set up their own strict brand of Islamic rule have launched some of Pakistan’s bloodiest attacks over the last few years, sometimes targeting foreigners, such as Chinese.
The Japanese survivors have been moved to a safe place in police custody, the police spokesperson, Abrar Hussain Baloch, said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack from any militant group.

Topics: Karachi Suicide Attack

Pakistan seeks to engage with Global Gateway Strategy through European Investment Bank

Updated 19 April 2024
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Pakistan seeks to engage with Global Gateway Strategy through European Investment Bank

  • EU to invest in infrastructure projects worldwide under Global Gateway Initiative 
  • Over the period 2021–2027, the European Union seeks to invest €300 billion
Updated 19 April 2024
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Ambassador of the European Union, Riina Kionka, and sought the EU’s support to help Pakistan carry out important reforms in various sectors and engage with the Global Gateway Strategy through the European Investment Bank.
The EU is Pakistan’s second most important trading partner, accounting for over 14 percent of Pakistan’s total trade and absorbing 28 percent of Pakistan’s total exports. Pakistani exports to the EU are dominated by textiles and clothing.
“The Prime Minister appreciated the continuous support of the European Union to Pakistan regarding the GSP Plus scheme,” a statement from the PM’s office said about his meeting with Kionka. 
“The Prime Minister said that the European Union can play an important role in providing consultation and expertise for important reforms in various sectors in Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s GSP+ status is a special trade arrangement offered by the EU to developing economies in return for their commitment to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, environmental protection and governance. 
The current GSP framework came to an end in December 2023 but Members of EU Parliament (MEPs) voted in October to extend the current rules on the scheme for another four years for developing countries, including Pakistan.
During his meeting Kionka, Sharif expressed satisfaction over existing institutional mechanisms “meeting regularly to exchange views on further strengthening cooperation” and indicated Pakistan’s interest in engaging constructively with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy through the European Investment Bank.
The Global Gateway Initiative is a worldwide strategy by the European Union to invest in infrastructure projects worldwide. The project was initiated by the EU Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. Over the period 2021–2027, the EU will invest €300 billion.
The EU Ambassador briefed the PM on various cooperation initiatives, including an ongoing dialogue on migration and mobility issues between the two sides, as well as facilitating European businesses operating in Pakistan. Progress on the resumption of flights from Pakistan to EU countries was also discussed.

Topics: Pakistan EU Ties

Latest updates

Five Japanese workers narrowly escape suicide bombing in Karachi 
Saudi deputy defense minister discusses security cooperation proposals with Pakistan army chief
Five Japanese workers narrowly escape suicide bombing that targeted their vehicle in Pakistan
Pakistan police kill bomber, militant to thwart attack on Japanese nationals
Dubai carrier Emirates suspends check-in for onward connections, flydubai cancels Iran flights

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