Pakistan's quadriplegic athlete Sarmad Tariq passes away

Published April 30, 2014
Sarmad Tariq— Photo courtesy: www.sarmadtariq.com
Sarmad Tariq— Photo courtesy: www.sarmadtariq.com

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.

Opinion

Editorial

Promises, promises
Updated 03 Dec, 2023

Promises, promises

The climate crisis transcends national borders and political agendas, demanding a unified, decisive response.
PCB’s strange decision
03 Dec, 2023

PCB’s strange decision

THE Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision-making and the way it is being run has become a joke. A day after appointing...
Resettling Afghans
03 Dec, 2023

Resettling Afghans

FOR two years now, since the Afghan Taliban took Kabul, thousands of Afghans in Pakistan who had worked for Western...
Next steps
Updated 02 Dec, 2023

Next steps

An impression is gaining currency that the decision-makers want more time to continue stabilising the economy.
Massacre resumes
Updated 02 Dec, 2023

Massacre resumes

Efforts should be made to renew the ceasefire, but they should also push for a long-term cessation of hostilities.
Wearing poison
02 Dec, 2023

Wearing poison

A RECENT study by Karachi University has cast a spotlight on the contamination of children’s jewellery with toxic...