LONDON, England: Abdullah, a Pakistani-born man who gained recognition for intervening in a knife attack in London’s Leicester Square, is calling for unity following recent far-right riots across the UK.
The unrest was sparked by false information on social media that falsely linked a knife attack in Southport to a Muslim asylum seeker.
The subsequent violence created widespread fear among Muslim communities, especially in northern England.
Abdullah, a 29-year-old security guard, tackled a man who attacked a mother and her 11-year-old daughter in Leicester Square, earning widespread praise for his bravery.
He has since been recognized by the Pakistani High Commission and celebrated by his community back home in Pakistan.
Speaking to The Guardian, Abdullah emphasized that the Southport incident had no connection to Muslims or the broader Asian community.
He criticized far-right leaders like Tommy Robinson for spreading misinformation that puts innocent people at risk. Abdullah expressed his commitment to peace, stating that Muslims and Pakistanis in the UK are here to protect, not harm, the community.
Abdullah’s actions have been lauded as a powerful counter-narrative to the far-right’s divisive rhetoric. Conservative peer Aamer Sarfraz described him as a “real-life hero” who exemplifies the bravery and dedication of security workers who protect the public daily.
Abdullah, who came to the UK to pursue a master’s degree, hopes to secure a permanent position in project management and remain in the country he now calls home. He sees his actions as proof that his community is committed to peace and protection for all.
