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Pakistan's quadriplegic athlete Sarmad Tariq passes away
ISLAMABAD: Motivational speaker, story teller and Pakistan's first ever quadriplegic athlete, Sarmad Tariq, passed away late on Tuesday.
After entering into a diving accident in his teen years, Sarmad Tariq was left with both his arms and legs sensation-less. Rather than give in to the situation, Sarmad chose a life full of challenges that even able-bodied people would think twice before undertaking.
He believed his condition was reason for his spiritual liberation.
Confined to a wheelchair, Sarmad was the first and only wheelchair-bound-athlete in Pakistan's first ever Lahore Marathon in 2005.
He not only participated in the event but finished the race distance of 42km in seven and a half hours, qualifying to represent his country in ING New York City Marathon 2005 and made history for Pakistan by returning with a finisher’s medal.
He was an inspiration for a source of inspiration for many.
Known as the 'Chairman', Sarmad was married and settled in Islamabad.
He had been suffering from multiple ailments and his condition deteriorated during the past few months for which he was undergoing treatment that was more often painful rather than relieving.
Comments (18) Closed
I had the pleasure of meeting Sarmad during one of his visits to Karachi. To this day I remember how with his story he used to inspire people to work harder and dream bigger. May Allah grant him a great place in Paradise.
Below is the Tariq Sarmad' recent past status update. He got the break!!!. May ALLAH rest his soul in peace.
Dear God,
Quadriplegia, autonomic dysreflexia, sepsis, malaria, chronic bronchitis, bed sores and only you can tell how many more. You know that I currently suffer from more ailments that a common person can pronounce. Just during the past one month I have been rushed to the hospital twice in critical condition, I have had three episodes where my body almost gave up and I even saw the proverbial white light that is supposed to be the harbinger of entry into the other world, my blood pressure has dropped to 50/20 and risen to 200/140. My family members are on the verge of nervous breakdowns. I regularly lose consciousness, get breathless by the simple act of speaking, see my body temperature rise to extreme highs and drop to unbelievable lows. Only you know the amount of medicine that is injected into my veins, put into my mouth and applied on my body on a daily basis. I am beginning to forget what it feels like to have no pain anywhere in the body.
And yet
A legend and a true inspiration for all. Eternally smile in heaven, Brother!
Rest in peace brave man. Prayers for the family and friends.
He was symbol for motivation -- May Allah bless his soul
Sarmad was only 15 when he came to england following his accident in pakistan. He was my sisters friend and I remember visiting him in hospital here in England. He was one courageous boy. Did'nt complain about his condition and just joked about the incident which put him there. What an amazing human being and hope his family can take comfort from the love he recieved from so many around the world whom he inspired. RIP Sarmad and may allah grant him a place in jannah. Aameen
@Sarmad That made me teary eyed.
Rest in peace brave man! Under extremely hostile conditions we have very few fighting spirits who may survive here like the way you did!!
Inshallah he will be find a place in Jannat as he positively affected many despite being in such difficult medical condition. My sincere thoughts and prayers for his immediate family and extended family of Pakistanis. We all lost a great soul today.
May Allah enter Sarmad in jannah and give sabr to his family. Ameen. Rest in peace brother.
@R Sha So sad. He was amazing.
You lost a good man. RIP brother.
RIP Sarmad.
@Sarmad ...what an inspiration this quote is to me and what an inspiration he surely would have been to so many.....may your soul rest in everlasting peace and thanks for shining the torch of hope to so many...
just tears in my eyes for such a brave n inspirational person , his trust in God, his love for God, his optimistic approach, his lively personality even in the most critical condition is remarkable, I am sure with the pain n ailments he had gone through in this world with such patience n never dying contact with God he would have been entered in heaven, May God give his family patience to bear the loss,(aameen)
i was with him in martic in quetta, one day i heard about his accident. He was a gem of a guy even this accident could not stop him from achieving his dreams. for a long time i was out of touch with him. last time i and Haroon met him in his father's home in Chaklala .Now just cant explain the sorrow that i am feeling on his death
What an inspiration to so many. R.I.P. always. Ameen
May Allah bless you with the best place in Jannat ul Firdous. Ameen