War veteran returns Rs0.77 million to tourist in Skardu

SKARDU: In an exemplary display of integrity, Javed Hussain, a retired soldier from Kandus village in the remote Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan, returned a lost sum of Rs775,000 to a tourist from Multan.

The money, along with a motorcycle key and a bank cheque book, was discovered at Husseini Chowk in Skardu’s main bazaar.

Hussain, who is known in his community as a veteran of Pakistan’s military and a hero of the war against terrorism, having sacrificed his left leg in the line of duty, took to social media to ensure the items were returned safely to their rightful owner. His post quickly reached the tourist, who had lost the items while visiting the picturesque region.

The Deputy Commissioner of Skardu praised Hussain for his act of honesty and for promoting a positive image of Skardu and the broader Gilgit-Baltistan region as safe and welcoming destinations for tourists. In recognition of his actions, Hussain was awarded a certificate of commendation.

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On the occasion the DC said Hussain’s gesture has not only highlighted the cultural values of honesty and integrity prevalent in Gilgit-Baltistan but has also set a noble example for the society at large, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a beacon of trustworthiness and hospitality.

While speaking to HUM News English, Hussain recounted that on April 20, he went to pick up his clothes, which he had given for stitching for Eid-ul-Fitr but could not collect on time as the shop was closed. On his way home, upon reaching Husseini Chowk, he found a yellow shopping bag containing the cash. Hussain took the bag to his cousin’s shop nearby and asked him to post about the find on Facebook, which he also did himself.

After taking the bag home, he discovered a chequebook and bike key along with the cash. “It took me more than two hours to calculate and confirm that the cash amounted to Rs 775,000,” he said. Following his post, which he made in the Balti language and went viral, Hussain began receiving calls from many, including two brothers from Multan who were visiting Skardu. Their details matched the name on the chequebook, confirming their claim to the lost items, which Hussain returned to them at 9 am on Sunday.

Reflecting on his actions, Hussain mentioned, “It repeatedly came to my mind that the actual owner might have children at home, wishes to fulfill, and how hard it was for him to earn that money.”

Hussain shared that he is married and a father to a young daughter. “I am just a simple, common man and currently do nothing,” he explained. He said he joined the Pakistan Army in 2012 and was severely injured six months ago during an operation against terrorists in South Waziristan. After his injury, he was transported to CMH Peshawar and then to Military Hospital Rawalpindi, where he underwent surgery and lost his left leg. “Now, I walk with the help of an artificial limb, like other normal people do, going to the market, shopping, and handling other chores,” he added. Hussain mentioned that the process of retirement on medical grounds is currently underway.