Father-son who died raising funds for Pakistan to be immortalised in documentary

Babar and Haris Suleman embarked on a 30-day plane journey to raise funds for education


Entertainment Desk May 20, 2015

Pakistan origin Hollywood actor and producer Faran Tahir is all set to tell the tale of the father-son duo, Haris Suleman and Babar Suleman, who lost their lives during a historic 30-day journey around the world to raise funds for education in Pakistan. 

The documentary, titled Babar and Haris Around the World: The Documentary follows the inspiring story of 56-year-old Babar Suleman and 17-year-old Haris Suleman, who were extremely passionate for the cause of education in their home country. Unfortunately, their journey and their lives came to an abrupt end as their plane crashed in the US.



The duo teamed up with Pakistani NGO The Citizens Foundation (TCF) and managed to raise $500,000 before their lives ended in the crash. Their cause however did not die with them, as donors continued to pitch in, raising more than $3 million for the cause.

The documentary mainly follows the struggle of the Suleman family as they toil hard to find Babar’s remains, which have still not been found, but it also touches on the duo's involvement with TCF, as well as their final hours before the tragic crash.



Haris wrote during his journey, "A lot of people have expressed concern that the journey that my father and I have set out on is a risky venture. Some have even questioned why we would put ourselves through such a challenge. I simply ask them: Why did Edmund Hillary Climb Mt Everest? Why did Christopher Columbus discover America? Why did Marco Polo travel to China?"

The team is aiming to release the film by July 23, 2015, the first death anniversary of Haris and Babar Suleman.

Watch the trailer here:
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COMMENTS (4)

Nadeem Hussain | 8 years ago | Reply Dear Hiba Suleman, Let me congratulate you that your father and brother lived a purposeful life! They would be remembered [at least] in the hearts of 1,65,000 kids studying in 1060 TCF school units across Pakistan. I, being an alumnus of TCF, assure you that their mission would NEVER end! We can never forget the sacrifice they made for the future of this country- truly great sons of the soil. May Allah [S.W.T.] grants them the highest place in Jannah. Love and Salutes from Pakistan :)
Hiba Suleman | 8 years ago | Reply Thank you, Eddie, for your excellent response. I have something to add in response to your post, Mr. Zarar: What, exactly, do you live for? In pursuit of happiness? Wealth? Comfort? Fame? Nothing in particular? Do you live day-to-day, just to get by until one day you can die old and decrepit, but peacefully in your sleep? That may work for you, and millions of other Pakistanis who have the means and drive to change the lives of the less fortunate- but that was not my father or brother. Firstly, my father and brother understood the risk but undertook it not for the fame it could bring them, but for the attention it would bring to the lack of access to education for the poor in Pakistan. Secondly, you see only that they died. What is "unnecessary" death? Dying for an incredible cause while doing something you love is not unnecessary- it is the ONLY way we should strive to go. Otherwise, what do our lives mean? All you see is that they died- and that Haris did not have the "requisite qualifications" as you put it- to complete the journey. But did you not see all that they accomplished? Haris clearly had the requisite qualifications to fly to Canada, Iceland, England, Italy, Dubai, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia, American Samoa and many more in between. Does that mean nothing? This journey seems to you to be for fame and fortune, leading to death in the process. I assure you that is not the case. I encourage you to watch this documentary to understand the convictions that led my father and brother to take on this journey- and what it means to follow your dreams and live in the service of others.
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