How Pakistan's rising karate star paid the price for standing up to drug dealers

‘How could I not react if drugs were being sold in my neighbourhood?’

PESHAWAR: Mohammad Kashif was billed a rising star in international karate when he joined the Pakistan Wapda team in 2007.

A resident of Gulberg, he managed to defy the odds and participated in various international karate championships. Kashif won a Double Gold medal in the South Asian Karate Championship 2012.

However, things changed for the 28-year-old karate player earlier this year when he decided to take a stand against a group of people who were selling drugs to young people in his neighbourhood. He paid a heavy price for taking a stand against this practice and he may not be able to participate in any championships in future.

Kashif was stabbed thrice in his head and stomach by Shah Faisal, his neighbour, who also happens to be a police personnel who had contacts with drug dealers.

The 28-year-old had tried to register a complaint against Faisal on June 19.

“I want to play for Pakistan and win medals for it,” he told The Express Tribune. “I love my country. How could I not react if people were selling drugs in my neighbourhood?”

Kashif is currently undergoing treatment whereas his perpetrators have been released on bail.

Twist of fate 

The 28-year-old karate player participated in various championships. His passion for international karate took him to China, Uzbekistan and India.

“I was supposed to visit Sri Lanka on August 25,” he said. “But now they have declared me unfit to play.”

Kashif registered a FIR against the group three days before being tortured by the police constable.

He added Faisal was hand in glove with the group.

“He tortured me because I tried to stop them when they were beating a young boy as he did not pay them money after buying drugs,” Kashif said. “Unfortunately, they were powerful people and had contacts with the police.” He added, “On June 19, Faisal stabbed me with his dagger in front of a mosque and tortured me”.

According to Kashif, police personnel are now visiting him to enquire after his health. “They will arrest me once I get better,” he added.

Kashif’s story serves as yet another example of how those who stand up for  what is right have to face severe consequences.

When contacted, SP Cantt Kashif Zulfiqar told The Express Tribune the constable is now behind bars.

“The police are investigating the matter,” he said. “Once we have leads in the case, departmental action will be taken.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2016.