Italian authorities honored a Pakistani man after he rescued two children from a violent attacker in Brescia. Despite recent heart surgery, Naveed Aslam intervened to stop the assault. The incident occurred on June 19 while he was with his family.
According to reports, the attacker suffered a drug-induced psychiatric episode. He first grabbed a four-year-old Egyptian boy by the neck. Consequently, Naveed immediately pushed the attacker away to protect the child.
Brave Rescue Despite Recent Heart Surgery
Moments later, the attacker assaulted a seven-year-old boy and twisted his arm. However, Naveed rushed forward again despite his wife’s concerns. He had received a cardiac pacemaker only three months earlier.
Naveed later said he trusted Allah regarding life and death. He explained that he could not ignore children in danger. He also said the attacker threatened to slit his throat before the struggle began.
Nevertheless, Naveed overpowered the suspect and restrained him for nearly 20 minutes. Police eventually arrived and arrested the attacker. During the struggle, Naveed suffered punches and elbow strikes to his chest.
Italian Authorities Recognize Courage and Service
Doctors later found two large bruises on Naveed’s chest. However, medical examinations confirmed his pacemaker remained undamaged. After completing hospital tests, he assisted police with the criminal investigation. He then reported to work shortly afterward.
On Friday, Brescia Mayor Laura Castelletti presented Naveed with a civic plaque. Additionally, she announced that his pending Italian citizenship application would receive expedited processing.
Naveed lived in Riyadh until the age of 26 before returning to Pakistan. He has lived in Italy for the past seven years. He said making his mother proud mattered more than public recognition and credited her values for inspiring his courage.
