Golden boy Arshad Nadeem returns to hero's welcome
Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem touched down at Allama Iqbal International Airport on Thursday to a hero's welcome, after making history at the Olympic Games with a record-breaking performance.
The 27-year-old from a small village near Mian Channu became Pakistan's first-ever individual gold medallist with a monumental throw of 92.97 meters, etching his name in the annals of sports history.
He made history in the French capital by winning Pakistan's first Olympic medal. Arshad's triumph in Paris marked Pakistan's first Olympic gold since 1984 when the national hockey team clinched victory in Los Angeles.
His achievement is also the country's first Olympic medal of any colour since the 1992 Barcelona Games, where the hockey team took bronze. With this historic feat, Arshad Nadeem has rightfully earned the title of the greatest Olympian Pakistan has ever produced.
Upon his return, Nadeem was met with thunderous applause from hundreds of adoring fans. The streets echoed with cheers as he made his way back to his family home, escorted by a VVIP protocol typically reserved for top dignitaries.
Despite the overwhelming reception, Arshad was eager to reunite with his family. After a brief wave to the jubilant crowd and a few photographs, he quickly departed the airport for his hometown.
The nation's golden boy is now being widely recognized, with further accolades on the horizon.
President Asif Ali Zardari announced on Saturday that Arshad Nadeem would be awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his record-breaking performance.
In addition to this honour, Nadeem's remarkable efforts have earned him a combined cash prize of Rs151 million from the governments of Punjab and Sindh. The National Assembly had also passed a unanimous resolution recommending that the government confer the highest civil award upon Nadeem.
According to a statement issued by the presidency, Arshad will be awarded the civil award in a special ceremony in recognition of outstanding services in the field of sports.
It said the President House had sent a letter to the federal cabinet for approval of the athlete's civil award, adding that according to the Constitution, the president could award honours to the citizens of Pakistan in recognition of their valuable services in various fields under Article 259(2).
"Arshad Nadeem has made the country proud in the field of sports with his excellent performance," the president said.
Lahore Police had provided Nadeem with a historic VVIP protocol. Over 150 police officers and personnel were deployed for his security, with an elite convoy leading and following his vehicle.
A traffic pilot and a DSP-ranked officer accompanied the convoy throughout the route. Relevant divisional SPs, along with their respective SDPOs and SHOs, received Nadeem at different points.
In Nadeem's hometown, Mian Channu Chak 101, villagers were provided a trip to the airport, with government buses provided for transport.
Arshad returned home from Paris, accompanied by Major General (retd) Muhammad Akram Sahi, Vice President of Asian Athletics and Chairman of South Asian Athletics.
FBR clarifies no tax on prize money
Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) categorically denied rumours circulating on social media that it plans to tax the prize money won by Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist, Arshad Nadeem.
It is clarified that Arshad Nadeem is our national hero who has not only elevated Pakistan's image in the whole world but has made the whole Pakistani nation overjoyed by winning a gold medal after 40 years in the Olympics, said an FBR news release.
FBR also clarified that there is no withholding tax on his prizes and the government and FBR are determined to make his income exempt much before he files his return in September 2025.