Suleman Qamar: The Unfortunate Tourist Burned Alive in Madain, Swat

Suleman Qamar was born on November 29, 1987, into the modest home of Qamar Aziz on Bilal Street, Pakpura, Sialkot. Belonging to the Arain community, his father worked at a petrol station and owned a Sohrab bicycle. Suleman lost his father while still in sixth grade. He completed his middle school education at Munim-ud-Din Model School in Pakpura, Sialkot, and went on to attend Harvard Grammar School on Kachehri Road, Sialkot, for his matriculation. We continued our education together until intermediate and even took various tuition classes in Pakpura.

After his father's death, being the eldest son, Suleman had to shoulder the responsibility of earning for his family. He moved to Malaysia in search of better opportunities, where he found success and significantly improved his and his family's living conditions. He visited Pakistan frequently, and we stayed in touch over the years. Many of us friends were religiously inclined and often prayed together.

Suleman had a passion for the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Allama Iqbal, and Mir Taqi Mir, often incorporating verses into his conversations. He was a lively, optimistic person with grand plans for the future. Despite recent mentions of his substance abuse and domestic disputes, it is important to clarify that he was not always like this.

These changes in him appeared about a year and a half ago when property disputes within his family began, leading to depression. He distanced himself from friends as these family issues grew more intense, causing significant changes in his demeanor. However, this does not mean he was permanently mentally ill or a harmful individual.

Suleman was a generous person, often helping patients who couldn't afford their hospital bills. Despite his recent troubles, all his friends can attest that he never showed any irreverence towards religion. He did not engage in religious debates or exhibit any disdain for religious practices. Those who met him during his last days also confirm that, despite his family problems, he never made any blasphemous remarks.

He expressed a desire to understand and read the Quran better and had a deep respect for Maulana Rumi. He also listened to lectures by Javed Ghamidi.

It is essential to present these aspects of Suleman’s life to highlight how easily severe accusations can lead to brutal killings without proper investigation. People argue that such acts occur because the law does not function properly, yet in this case, Suleman had been arrested by the police, and an FIR had been filed against him. If the investigation had proven the allegations, he would have been punished accordingly.

Even during wartime, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade mutilating or burning the dead bodies of enemies. Suleman was a Muslim, and those who committed this barbaric act are ignorant of Islam's fundamental teachings.

Lastly, I urge the authorities to provide security to his family to prevent further harm from these savage perpetrators and to ensure that all culprits are arrested and brought to justice.