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The only male victim to be killed in the horrific stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction has been identified as Faraz Tahir.
Mr Tahir, a security guard at the busy shopping centre, moved to Australia last year through a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees program, fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan.
His friend and fellow member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Shajar Ahmad, told The Sydney Morning Herald the 30-year-old “had so many hopes and dreams for his future”.
He had worked just four or five shifts at Westfield, Mr Ahmad said. Yet, on Saturday afternoon – his first daytime shift at the centre – his new life here was cut tragically short.
Mr Tahir was one of six people murdered by Queensland man Joel Cauchi during his violent rampage. Bellevue Hill architect and mother-of-two Jade Young, 47; Dawn Singleton, the 25-year-old daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton; and new mum Ashlee Good, 38, are the other victims who have been named so far.
In a statement on Sunday afternoon, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community remembered Mr Tahir as “a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack”.
“Faraz Tahir, aged 30, sought refuge in Australia just a year ago, fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan,” the statement continued.
“He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness. Faraz was not only a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia but also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy.
“We commend the swift response of the authorities and offer our full co-operation with the ongoing investigation. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace, unity, and understanding in our society.”
The Australian Pakistani National Association (APNA) shared the devastating news with its community on Facebook.
“With heavy hearts, we share the news of a tragic incident at a Sydney mall, where lives were lost, including a courageous Pakistani national faraz (sic) Ahmed (sic) who had moved from Brisbane for work. May Allah bless him for his dedication,” a post by the group read.
“Let us stand together in solidarity, offering support and prayers to those grieving and affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
The High Commissioner for Pakistan to Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, extended his “deepest sympathies and prayers” to Mr Tahir’s family.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the terrible and tragic events at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney yesterday,” he said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The victims of yesterday’s horrific attacks included a Pakistani citizen Faraz Ahmed who lost his life while saving others … We are working with the family for reparation of his mortal remains to Pakistan.
“Another Pakistani citizen got injured during the horrific attacks. He is hospitalised but is in a stable condition. We pray for his fast and full recovery.”
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