Arshad was extended a hero’s welcome

By our correspondent
LAHORE: The global super star Arshad Nadeem was on Sunday morning extended a hero’s welcome on his return to Lahore.
Arshad snared a historic gold in javelin throw with a monstrous throw of 92.97m, conquering the world’s greats like Neeraj Chopra of India and Anderson Peters of Grenada.
His airline was given a water cannon salute when it landed at the Allama Iqbal Airport.
Thousands of fans from Lahore and Arshad’s hometown Mian Channu were present to receive Arshad, who also ser a new Olympics record.
The airport was transformed into a sea of green and white as people from all corners of Pakistan gathered to celebrate their hero’s triumph. The Punjab Police band played patriotic tunes, while chants of “Jeeva Jeeva Pakistan, Jeeva Jeeva Arshad Nadeem” filled the air.
Arshad Nadeem expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, attributing his success to the prayers and support of the Pakistani people. He also thanked his coaches including Salman Butt for their invaluable guidance and support from Sports Board and Gen Akram Sahi.
Excited Arshad Nadeem said: “I was eager to set foot in my homeland.”
“The love and support of my nation is overwhelming, and I’m thrilled to see everyone waiting for me.”
Nadeem humbly attributed his Olympic gold medal win to the prayers and well-wishes of the Pakistani people. “It’s because of the nation’s collective prayers that I’ve achieved this honor,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
A special ceremony was held at the airport, attended by government officials, sports dignitaries, and Arshad Nadeem’s family. Information Minister Azmi Bukhari praised the athlete as the “hero of the nation” and announced that due to the late hour, Arshad Nadeem would proceed directly to his hometown of Mian Channu instead of attending a planned reception in Lahore.
A double-decker bus was brought to the airport to transport Arshad Nadeem, but due to the late hour, Minister Bukhari announced that the champion would proceed directly to his hometown of Mian Channu instead.
Large boards adorned with his pictures have been put up across the airport, with a special board from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) prominently displayed at the reception camp to honor the nation’s pride.
The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) extended its congratulations to Arshad Nadeem and pledged continued support for his career. The federation also expressed hope that his victory would inspire other athletes to excel in their Former cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed was also among others reached the airport. Arshad Nadeem’s former coach, Fayyaz Bukhari, and fellow javelin thrower Yasir Sultan, were also present at there to welcome him back home.
Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has clarified that there will be no tax imposed on the prize money given to national athlete Arshad Nadeem for his historic achievements, in response to rumors.
After his exceptional performance, the federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments declared different rewards for the Olympian. Yet, there were speculations that these rewards could be taxed.
Responding to these issues, FBR representative Bakhtiar confirmed to Samaa TV in a private discussion that there will be no tax on the prizes given to Arshad Nadeem. He stressed that Olympic prizes are not subjected to taxation under the Income Tax Ordinance.
Bakhtiar clarified that despite prize bonds, lottery winnings, quiz competition rewards, and sales promotion prizes by companies being taxable under Section 156 of the Income Tax Ordinance, this rule does not pertain to the awards earned by Arshad Nadeem.
The FBR spokesperson once again emphasized that Arshad Nadeem is a national hero and pledged to provide him with any necessary support as he continues to make the country proud.