Ahsan Khan's video of homeless man goes viral, Pakistanis shower support

The man was employed within 24 hours after Ahsan posted video

KARACHI: People say a small act of kindness goes a long way and Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan's generosity proved it to be true. When the actor uploaded a homeless man's plea on Facebook asking people to help him find employment, little did Ahsan know that his video would soon bring Pakistanis together to find a stranger a job.

The gentleman -- whose proficiency in English is remarkable and willingness to work anywhere, admirable -- impressed the actor so much that he was compelled to share his video with fans and friends on Facebook.

He tagged a few of his friends and uploaded the 5-minute clip with caption: "A helping hand is no farther than at the end of your sleeve. Plz let me know if any one of you is interested in helping this man".



"Give me a chance, just one week, try me out. I'll be very grateful. I just need a job. I don't enjoy what I'm doing. Thank you so much," the 56-year-old man is seen requesting.

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Ahsan Khan gushed that he could not get over the man. "Even after so much, his spirit is so lively. He is an inspiration for the world. You can see how happy he is in the video."

With the exception of computers, he says he's ready to work as an "office assistant, run to and fro for photocopies, handle telephones, anything like that".

What started out as a plea soon turned out to be a tragic tale of loss and betrayal as the homeless man's past unfolded in front of the camera. From losing his wife and seven children in a car crash to his brothers cheating him, the man did not hesitate to talk about the tough times he has seen.



Ahsan's attempt to create buzz among locals soon gained momentum as fans started sharing the video, making it go viral within hours of being uploaded. The man instantly became an internet sensation with people lauding the actor and asking how they could help within their capacity.

Educated and homeless. Not good, Pakistan! And I like #AhsanKhan even more now for giving this guy the limelight. https://t.co/rUoPaiJ9BC

— Humeira♦️حمیراء (@humeiraajaz) January 7, 2016

Ahsan Khan shared tragic story of an educated poor man. He doesn't need charity or sympathy but job. Help him out.https://t.co/kdE0gaQDeX

— koenigin (@koeniginseen) January 7, 2016

Actor Ahsan Khan shares a tragic story of an educated St beggar. Very sad indeed. 󾌹 https://t.co/aUS9KADeZT

— Saima Ajram (@SaimaAjram) January 7, 2016

the light in his eyes, the hope, the patience, so inspiring.https://t.co/OfpS6REbsM

— Tahir Ahmed (@tah_med) January 8, 2016

This Sufi version of Christmas carols is the best thing you will hear today!

The actor uploaded a status later -- overwhelmed by the response and positive feedback -- stating that the man had been offered a place to stay.

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208914267993169&set=a.1804950002735.106491.1209432527&type=3"]

"People were excited to help, I got calls not only from Pakistan but also overseas, with many asking how they could help," the actor disclosed.

Hours after the video upload he was hired at Amtech Systems Inc, a welcome which included "warm accommodation". The video conferencing equipment supplier company proudly tweeted the newest addition to their company:
https://twitter.com/amtechsystemspk/status/685583966846451712

And thanked Ahsan Khan for "finding a gem":
https://twitter.com/amtechsystemspk/status/685577954236215296

Their act of kindness isn't restricted to the homeless man. The company is planning on extending a helping hand to all unemployed people:
https://twitter.com/amtechsystemspk/status/685198420513034240

And Ahsan has only just started, he feels that there's always a story behind everyone, which leads him to interact with every passerby on the street. He shared that he will be uploading another such video soon.

"We are a great nation, I couldn't believe the staggering response I got, by just uploading one video. We are the greatest nation. Pakistan is not dead, Pakistaniyon ka dil sab sey bara hai," said the actor.

Faith in humanity restored!