“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in site of overwhelming obstacles.”—Christopher Reeves
The stories people enjoy the most are ones about heroism. It would not be an understatement to say that the most popular books and movies are generally related to acts of valor where men and women are portrayed as saviors or achievers. Many people, consciously or unconsciously, want to perform a deed that would bring accolades to them as the desire to be famous lingers somewhere in the mind. Even so-called villains have to their credit some heroic acts. Check out Robin Hood and his likes found in folklore around the world. The crux of the matter is that we romanticize such wondrous accomplishments that may have the potential to be rewarded with honors or at least, prayers.
Unquestionably and for the purpose of inspiring others, there is a dire need to appreciate and encourage anyone who has the nerves or has shown exceptional intrepidity in performing a duty or on making a mark in a professional or academic field. People are blessed with different types of talents that require nurturing, as well as acknowledgement, which in turn hones these qualities for more productive and purposeful ends. Therefore, such services that are related to emergencies of any kind are particularly challenging because they invite providers to indulge in activities that may appear horrific or threatening to normal human beings. Not everyone is equipped, either mentally or physically, to confront risk-based encounters.
The infamous Ichhra Bazar incident that took place on 25 February 2024 was most competently handled by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi and her team.
There are some specific professions that are demanding in the sense that they involve playing with danger. The most common examples are zoo-keeping, fire-fighting, flying, mining, working on powerlines, construction, lumbering, the armed forces and police. Those who choose to enter these professions are fully aware of the risks, but at the same time, this becomes their livelihood which means that they are paid for knowingly getting themselves in trouble. Any act of bravery therefore is directly proportionate to the line of work opted for by these daredevils. Undoubtedly though, they remain heroes. However, where someone who is engaged in a relatively benign occupation does something that requires extraordinary grit, one can say, a true heroic deed has been performed.
The infamous Ichhra Bazar incident that took place on 25 February 2024 was most competently handled by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi and her team. She not only brought accolades to the Punjab Police, but has also raised the banner of empowerment for women of Pakistan, who look upon their sister’s achievement with great pride. The very fact that the security of people is in able hands should be a matter of comfort for the nation. Amid so much intolerance and living in a society where some members are frighteningly deranged, we definitely need strong-willed and professionally sound protectors. Listening to her candid interview, a lot of misconceptions surrounding the incident got resolved. Regardless of her political affiliations, one cannot deny that she well-deserved all the national and international attention. Yet a lot remains to be done!
In bolstering the young ASP’s buoyant image, many praiseworthy police personnel have been overlooked. A few words of appreciation could have gone a long way in motivating them to continue with their noble work. Alongside these, citizens who aided the public authorities should also be commended for their cooperation in clearing the air.
One person prominent among them who stands out as the most prolific hero should definitely be rewarded for his timely action in saving the woman from being molested by the mob just because she was wearing an Arabic calligraphic shirt, with halwa written all over. He is none other than Johnson Tariq, belonging to the Christian community. Disregarding the possibility of a backlash from the enraged crowd, he not only provided refuge to the lady, but also pulled down the shutters of his café. He called the police and kept her in his protection until our valiant female ASP arrived on the scene, and the rest is history. Sadly, none from the administration even fleetingly mentioned his name or his act. Even the ASP in her interview, had no inkling about the person who made the 15 call or any detail of what transpired between the time of the call and her arrival.
Expecting that a Christian would come to the rescue of a Muslim woman in distress is asking for a bit much. Yet Johnson showed remarkable strength in protecting her and taking the risk of being lynched himself, if not immediately, perhaps in the future.
Just like important events of history are forgotten only because they were never recorded in writing, Johnson’s deed will also go unnoticed, which by itself is quite disappointing, especially for the minorities who are already so vulnerable as a community. Blasphemy cases, like the famous Asia Bibi’s, setting ablaze an entire Christian colony in Badami Bagh Lahore in 2013, the burning down of eight churches in Jaranwala near Punjab, the excuse being that two Christian men were charged by the police for alleged desecration of the Holy Quran, lynching and murder of a Sri Lankan factory manager in Sialkot in 2021, are some of the incidents where the minorities were specially targeted.
Under these circumstances, expecting that a Christian would come to the rescue of a Muslim woman in distress is asking for a bit much. Yet Johnson showed remarkable strength in protecting her and taking the risk of being lynched himself, if not immediately, perhaps in the future. The irate individuals, blinded by their ignorance, could have directed their wrath towards Johnson and his café when he attempted to prevent them from nabbing the woman. Despite these possibilities, kudos to Johnson who remained undeterred by the angry mob and kept his shutters down.
During these critical times, when this appalling wave of fundamentalism has gripped the people of the subcontinent, there is all the more reason to promote humanity by acknowledging such acts of prowess. Other than a few videos uploaded by private parties, one hardly finds anyone in authority who has up to now mentioned this fact or even taken the name Johnson Tariq. On 23 March, while announcing the recipients of national awards, how heartening it would be if Tariq Johnson is applauded for the way he handled an entire situation fraught with immense sensitivity, thus saving the woman from a frightening encounter.