Adil Najam
We write here often about corruption games and misappropriation deals by politicians and others. But we also want to honestly depict the actions of those many — many, many, many, in fact — who live by the principles of hard work and honesty that we all cherish. I am convinced that despite the cynicism that we all exude, the good amongst us are far more than the bad amongst us.
I was reading Gulf News in the plane last week and saw this story about a great ambassador for Pakistan. After reading everything else in the paper about Pakistan this made me immensely proud and hopeful.
Abu Dhabi: It is not the first time Rahim Khan Khilgi, a limousine driver, had found valuables left behind by passengers. “I have returned more than 18 mobile phones left behind by passengers. Besides, I also got Dh14,000 on one instance and $2000 on another. At all times, I have ensured that the passenger got back his/her belongings,” said Khilgi. Recently, Khilgi, a Pakistani driver working for Fast Limousine, was surprised when he realised that a passenger left behind his wallet containing Dh40,000 besides credit cards, cheques and other important documents. “On April 19, at midnight, a passenger from the business lounge of Etihad Airways boarded the limo. After I dropped him off at Dubai Marina I stopped at a fuel station to fill up. I got out of the car and as I was about to take my bag from behind I noticed a purse on the back seat,” said Khilgi.
He immediately handed over the valuables to Captain Ahmad Al Merri, the police duty officer at the airport. He has been working with Fast Limousine for the past three years. Earning Dh2,600 on an average every month, Khilgi said he wouldn’t say that money is not important to him. “Money is the most important thing these days. But can it give happiness? No. whereas the gratitude and happiness of a person who gets back his belongings are immeasurable.
“Most people ask me why I chose to return the money, but only my wife and a friend said that I did the right thing by returning the money,” he said.
Moved by the driver’s honesty, Captain Ahmad Al Merri wrote a letter to Fast Limousine’s management who in turn brought the incident to the notice of the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC). Two weeks ago, ADAC honoured Khilgi ‘for demonstrating a high sense of honesty and personal integrity while serving customers at Abu Dhabi International Airport’. Recently, Khilgi was the guest of honour at a special ceremony hosted by ADAC Operations Department to present him a cheque of Dh4,000 in recognition of his exemplary attitude.
Nice post to recognize Mr. Khilgi.
Why this story, when honesty is expected of everyone, especially the one in the position of public trust such as a limo driver, as a matter of routine and normal behaviour. What next; someone stopping at a red light will be portrayed as a hero.
A dog biting a man is not news; it is other way around.
The world and the modern civilization survives on trust and honesty.
It was very cheerful to read about Rahim Khan Khilgi[Khilji] and his honesty.More pleasure was his reporting in the newspaper ” Gulf News”. It is matter of honor for all Pakistani and a lesson for reviewing our behaviour wherever we are specially outside Pakistan.Last week in Australia,I met with a person from Nepal and when I introduced myself and my land(Pakistan) he narrated some awaful stories of some Pakistani in Singapore. I felt uneasiness and shyness but Khilji has made me compensated and feel proud.I appreciate him. May Allah reward him on the day of judgement.Ameen!
Dr.Nabi Bux Jumani
Isn’t “keeping” the money the same as “stealing”? Also doesn’t Dubai have punishments for theft where your hand and the rest of you go their separate ways? At least a few lashes?
we worry lot about Pakistan’s image outside, but reading these comments the real problem is Pakistans image amongst Pakistanis. Seem most of commenters here do not have a good image of Pakistan themselves. I agree that there are far more good Pakistanis than bad ones. THanks for a good entry.