Refugee Faraz Tahir is one of the six victims confirmed dead following a stabbing attack at Sydney’s Bondi Junction on Saturday, April 13.
The 30-year-old man from Pakistan had sought refuge in Australia a year ago, according to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia. He was a security guard working at Bondi Westfield Junction where the attack took place.
“It is with heavy hearts that we also mourn the loss of Faraz Tahir, a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack,” the organisation said in an issued statement.
“Faraz Tahir, aged 30, sought refuge in Australia just a year ago, fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan. 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.”
In an interview with Channel 7’s breakfast TV show, Sunrise, a close friend of Tahir said the security guard had fled prosecution from Pakistan and arrived in Australia in December 2022.
“It is hard for me to fathom he was with me 72 hours before the tragedy and then we lost him in such circumstances,” said Adnan Qadir.
“He was big in terms of giving back to the community,” Qadir said, adding that Tahir “was looking forward to a stable career, to make a family up here. It is just sad how it all ended up.”
"He was a great guy — he keeps other people’s interests ahead of his own. Had a lot of ambition for his future... Just settling into his new country."
High Commissioner for Pakistan to Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, shared his condolences with the loved ones of Tahir and the other victims, saying in a statement on Twitter that “we are working with the family for reparation of his mortal remains to Pakistan”. He also said another Pakistani citizen had been hospitalised after the attack.
Deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the terrible and tragic events at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. @PakinAustralia https://t.co/XmwAaBhqrs
— Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri (@Zhchaudhri) April 13, 2024
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. @PakinAustralia @ForeignOfficePk @appcsocialmedia
— Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri (@Zhchaudhri) April 14, 2024
Tahir was killed alongside five other people who were also fatally stabbed by Queensland man Joel Cauchi. There are at least 12 other people injured and who were taken to hospital for treatment. Cauchi was shot dead by police officer, Inspector Amy Scott.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
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