SYDNEY: A 30-year-old Pakistani man was named on Sunday as the security guard killed in a weekend knife attack in a Sydney shopping mall, according to two local community groups.
The Australian Pakistani National Association and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said Faraz Tahir was killed by a knife-wielding man who also killed five women.
On Sunday evening, members of the Muslim community held a silent vigil for the man, who is said to have moved to Australia last year.
“He quickly became an integral part of our community,” a statement said.
The Australian Pakistani National Association encouraged the community to “stand together in solidarity, offering support and prayers to those grieving and affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
As the attack unfolded on Saturday, online social media accounts falsely reported that the attack was linked to ideological or religious groups or events in the Middle East.
Police have named the assailant as 40-year-old itinerant man Joel Cauchi who was previously diagnosed with a mental health issue.
New South Wales police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said there was no evidence to suggest Cauchi was “driven by any particular motivation, ideology or otherwise.”
Pakistani man among six killed in Sydney knife attack — community groups
https://arab.news/g7vwk
Pakistani man among six killed in Sydney knife attack — community groups
- Faraz Tahir was killed by a knife-wielding man who also killed five women
- The 40-year-old suspect was previously diagnosed with mental health issues
Pakistan assembly speaker warns opposition against anti-state remarks in parliament
- Ayaz Sadiq says criticism of judiciary and armed forces will not be allowed on assembly floor
- He calls violence during protests unacceptable, vows neutrality as National Assembly speaker
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday that opposition lawmakers would not be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of parliament, calling such remarks unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the eastern city of Lahore, Sadiq said parliamentary debate must remain within constitutional and legal limits, while reiterating his commitment to act impartially as speaker.
“No one will be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of the National Assembly,” Sadiq said. “Negative or controversial remarks about judges or the armed forces are unacceptable.”
His comments come amid heightened political tensions after opposition groups held protests in the past, criticizing state institutions and targeting government and military properties.
The speaker said peaceful protest was a democratic right but drew a sharp line at violence and vandalism.
“Protest is the right of every citizen in a democratic society, but it must remain peaceful and within the bounds of the constitution and the law,” he continued, adding that arson, damage to property and the use of sticks or weapons in the name of protest were “unacceptable” and posed a threat to the rule of law.
“No opposition lawmaker will be allowed to speak on the National Assembly floor if they speak against Pakistan,” Sadiq said.
The speaker also noted the country’s economic indicators were gradually improving, citing an increase in foreign exchange reserves, and said Pakistan had further strengthened relations with countries including the United States, China, Russia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
