QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo on Thursday announced a reward of Rs500,000 for an oil tanker driver who saved lives by risking his own life when he drove his burning vehicle away from human settlements.

A couple of days ago, Moham­mad Faisal was emptying the tanker at a fuel station in the Qam­brani Road area near Que­tta when the vehicle caught fire.

Faisal immediately drove the burning tanker away to an unpopulated area. “The driver saved lives of hundreds of families living in the area, shops and the gas station from the fire,” the owner of the fuel station said.

His prompt action was widely appreciated by people present on the occasion and the fuel station owner. They shared the video of the incident which went viral on social media. They acclaimed Faisal’s timely decision and demanded a reward for him.

On Thursday, the chief minister in a statement issued by his press secretary praised the driver’s act of bravery and announced a Rs500,000 reward for him.

“Mohammad Faisal at the risk of his life saved hundreds of other lives,” the CM said.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2022