................................................................
Ahsan Khan's video of homeless man goes viral, Pakistanis shower support
The man was employed within 24 hours after Ahsan posted video. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI: People say a small act of kindness goes a long way and Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan’s generosity proved it to be true. When the actor uploaded a homeless man’s plea on Facebook asking people to help him find employment, little did Ahsan know that his video would soon bring Pakistanis together to find a stranger a job.
The gentleman — whose proficiency in English is remarkable and willingness to work anywhere, admirable — impressed the actor so much that he was compelled to share his video with fans and friends on Facebook.
He tagged a few of his friends and uploaded the 5-minute clip with caption: “A helping hand is no farther than at the end of your sleeve. Plz let me know if any one of you is interested in helping this man”.
A touch of humanity
“Give me a chance, just one week, try me out. I’ll be very grateful. I just need a job. I don’t enjoy what I’m doing. Thank you so much,” the 56-year-old man is seen requesting.
In an interview with
The Express Tribune, Ahsan Khan gushed that he could not get over the man. “Even after so much, his spirit is so lively. He is an inspiration for the world. You can see how happy he is in the video.”
With the exception of computers, he says he’s ready to work as an “office assistant, run to and fro for photocopies, handle telephones, anything like that”.
What started out as a plea soon turned out to be a tragic tale of loss and betrayal as the homeless man’s past unfolded in front of the camera. From losing his wife and seven children in a car crash to his brothers cheating him, the man did not hesitate to talk about the tough times he has seen.
Ahsan’s attempt to create buzz among locals soon gained momentum as fans started sharing the video, making it go viral within hours of being uploaded. The man instantly became an internet sensation with people lauding the actor and asking how they could help within their capacity.
The actor uploaded a status later — overwhelmed by the response and positive feedback — stating that the man had been offered a place to stay.
“People were excited to help, I got calls not only from Pakistan but also overseas, with many asking how they could help,” the actor disclosed.
Hours after the video upload he was hired at Amtech Systems Inc, a welcome which included “warm accommodation”. The video conferencing equipment supplier company proudly tweeted the newest addition to their company:
And thanked Ahsan Khan for “finding a gem”:
.....
