ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani man from the north-eastern city of Gujrat has been honored by Italian authorities for displaying exceptional courage after rescuing two children from a violent attacker in the northern city of Brescia, despite having undergone heart surgery just three months earlier.
The Saudi-born 39-year-old Naveed Aslam, who works as a delivery courier in Italy, was recognized by the Mayor of Brescia with a civic plaque for his brave actions during an incident on June 19.
According to reports, Aslam was spending time with his family at a local park when a man, reportedly under house arrest and suffering from a drug-induced psychiatric episode, attacked children nearby. The assailant first grabbed a four-year-old Egyptian boy by the neck before targeting a seven-year-old child moments later.
Without hesitation, Aslam intervened to protect the children. Despite recently receiving a cardiac pacemaker following a serious heart condition, he restrained the attacker for nearly 20 minutes until police arrived.
Recalling the incident, Aslam said he drew strength from the values instilled in him by his mother.
“If anyone is in trouble or facing hardship, you must help them. This is what my mother taught me,” he said.
He also revealed that his wife had tried to stop him from intervening due to concerns about his health, but he believed it was his responsibility to protect innocent children.
Following the incident, medical examinations confirmed that although Aslam suffered bruising to his chest during the struggle, his pacemaker remained undamaged.
On Friday, Brescia Mayor Laura Castelletti presented Aslam with a civic award, praising his “heartfelt and courageous gesture.”
She also announced that his pending Italian citizenship application would be expedited in recognition of his exemplary civic spirit.
Originally from Pakistan, Aslam spent the first 26 years of his life in Riyadh before moving to Pakistan and later settling in Italy seven years ago.
After receiving the honor, Aslam said making his parents proud meant more to him than public recognition or the prospect of Italian citizenship.
“I have made my mother’s and father’s names shine with pride,” he said, while his mother watched the ceremony virtually from Gujrat in Punjab province of Pakistan.
This article was initially published on Arab News' website on June 29, 2026.
