Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday praised the driver of an excavator who bravely rescued a family trapped in a flash flood in Balochistan province last month. The driver was awarded a cash prize of $15,500 and promised free healthcare and educational facilities for his family.
The rescue, which took place in the Qilla Abdullah district, went viral on social media last week. Muhib Ullah Kakar, the excavator operator, recounted how he saw the stranded passengers and quickly rode his bicycle to fetch the necessary equipment.
Dramatic footage captured by an eyewitness shows Kakar navigating the excavator through the strong current to reach the partially submerged car, while onlookers anxiously observed from higher ground.
“I never imagined that my rescue effort would gain nationwide recognition,” Kakar said. “I am deeply thankful to the Prime Minister and his government for acknowledging my efforts.”
The monsoon season’s rain-related disasters have claimed at least 320 lives across Pakistan, including 34 in Balochistan.
