Karachi’s chartered accountant among Christchurch victims

KARACHI: A 27-year-old Syed Areeb Ahmed was also among the unfortunate Pakistanis who embraced martyrdom in the Christchurch terrorist attack in New Zealand. Areeb was a chartered accountant and was the resident of Block 14, Federal B Area in Karachi. He was declared missing after the deadly attack on Friday, however, the Foreign Office confirmed his death on Saturday. The family said the deceased used to work at PWC audit farm.

“We were worried about him following the attack as he could not be reached,” the family sources said. “We continued to pray for him but he is no more.”His father, Syed Ayaz Ahmed, told the media that the family had earlier appealed to the government to help find him, adding but unfortunately, his son was among the six people who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.

Areeb went to New Zealand about 18 months ago to work for an audit firm. The family while quoting the victim’s friend in New Zealand said he had accompanied Areeb for the Friday prayers, dropped him near the mosque and went to park the car. “The moment Areeb entered the Masjid shooting started,” the family said while quoting their son's friend. “I am luckily safe but Areeb lost his life.” he told Areeb's family.

After the government confirmed Areeb's death, scores of people including leaders from MQM-P's Kanwar Naveed and PTI MPA Abbas Jafri also reached his residence to offer condolences. The family is now awaiting for the body.