A Pakistani expatriate employed in Oman has been widely praised for rescuing two Indian nationals trapped in a car swept away by floodwaters near Barka. The dramatic rescue was recorded on video and quickly circulated across social media platforms.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 4pm during intense rainfall caused by a low-pressure system that severely affected parts of Oman. The floods resulted in at least 10 fatalities and numerous rescues as wadis overflowed, inundating residential and low-lying areas.
The rescuer, 25-year-old Shahzad Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, currently residing in Barka, described the scene where hundreds had gathered near the flooded wadi, many filming the event. He noticed a car attempting to cross the water, which became trapped by the strong current. “People were watching and recording, but I could see the passengers inside were crying for help,” Khan recalled.
In the viral footage, Khan, dressed in a brown kurta, is seen climbing onto the partially submerged vehicle. His initial effort to break the windows with his legs was unsuccessful, so he resorted to using stones to shatter the glass. “I didn’t consider nationality or religion; I only saw people in danger,” he said. “One man was already sinking while the other struggled. The water had filled half the car.”
The vehicle was carried by the current until it struck a bridge pillar and stopped. Eyewitness Bismillah Jan, who was standing beside Khan, described the moment the car appeared in the torrent. “A strong current was flowing, and suddenly a car was swept away. Shahzad immediately ran toward it despite our attempts to stop him. When the car halted, I handed him stones to break the lock,” Jan said.
Khan noted that although 300 to 400 people were present, the water’s force deterred anyone else from approaching the vehicle. The incident reminded him of the tragic flooding in Swat, Pakistan, where people trapped in floodwaters were not rescued in time. “The Swat tragedy came back to me vividly,” he reflected.
Last year, 17 members of a family from Sialkot were swept away by a sudden surge in the Swat River while picnicking. Videos circulated showing the family stranded on a shrinking island, calling for help for nearly an hour without immediate rescue.
Ultimately, Khan succeeded in pulling both Indian occupants from the car, and bystanders helped bring them to safety. “God gave me the responsibility and courage. It was pure instinct—I just acted,” he stated.
Shandar Bukhari, Social Welfare Director at the Pakistan Social Club, noted that the rescue gained widespread attention through social media. “We confirmed the details and contacted him. His bravery is truly admirable, and we will ensure he receives recognition from the embassy and the community once the situation stabilizes,” Bukhari added.
