Heroic tanker driver awarded at Corps HQ in Quetta

Faisal Baloch, who drove a burning oil tanker, awarded cash prize and honoured on special directions of COAS

QUETTA:

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday revealed that Faisal Baloch, who drove a burning oil tanker away from populated area in Quetta, was awarded a cash prize and honoured on special directions of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In a press release, the military's media wing admired Baloch's "selfless" act and stated that he "saved many precious lives by putting his own life in danger."

The ISPR said that the "selfless act of courage" was acknowledged as the driver was invited to the Army's Corps HQ in Quetta where he was awarded the honour.

On June 7, Faisal Baloch rushed towards a flaming oil tanker, with10,000 litres of petrol, in the provincial capital in an effort to drive it away from populated areas.

"When I saw the fire I rushed to drive away despite the roaring flames," he recounted, as bystanders pleaded to the driver to stop it.

Read Unsung heros

"My primary concern was to save human lives," the determined tanker driver said who chose to put his life at great risk driving the burning vehicle for around two kilometres.

His heroic act of selflessness prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to award him a prize in Islamabad.

“No appreciation is sufficient to praise this spirit of saving the lives of thousands of people whilst risking his own life,” the premier said. PM Shehbaz further directed Head of Strategic Reforms Salman Sufi to telephone the driver.

On behalf of the premier, Salman Sufi paid tributes to Baloch for his courage.

Balochistan CM announces Rs0.5m reward

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Quddus Bizenjo also announced Rs0.5 million reward for the driver for his bravery and for saving precious human lives.

Bizenjo appreciated the driver for his courage and bravery and announced a special reward for him, a statement issued by the Press Secretary of CM Balochistan said.