The nation is celebrating the historic achievement of Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s ace javelin thrower, who secured a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His triumph has not only ended a 40-year wait for Olympic gold but also set a new world record with a throw of 92.97 meters. Amid the celebrations, the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) has stepped in to quash rumours that the Olympian’s prize money will be taxed.
In a statement released on Saturday, FBR spokesperson Bakhtiar Muhammad firmly denied the circulating rumours, assuring the public that no taxes would be levied on Nadeem’s prize money. “Rumours of taxing national hero Arshad Nadeem’s prize money are baseless. No tax will be charged on the prize money received by him,” said Muhammad. He emphasized that neither withholding nor income tax would apply to Nadeem’s earnings from the Olympic victory.
The clarification from the FBR came in response to widespread speculation on social media, where claims had surfaced that the gold medallist would be subject to taxes on the rewards he received. The FBR’s statement stressed that the government is committed to ensuring that Nadeem’s income remains tax-free, even as he prepares to file his tax return in September 2025. “Income tax rules do not mention tax on prize money received in Olympic games,” the spokesperson added, urging the public to dismiss the baseless rumours.
Following his remarkable win in Paris, Nadeem has been showered with accolades and rewards from various quarters. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a cash prize of Rs 100 million for the athlete, while Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab pledged Rs 50 million. Additionally, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has promised to award Nadeem Rs2 million. These announcements came just hours after Nadeem’s historic win, reflecting the nation’s immense pride in his achievement.
To honour his extraordinary accomplishment, President Asif Ali Zardari has directed that Nadeem be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award. Moreover, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar announced the issuance of a special postage stamp to commemorate the javelin star’s gold medal victory.
Olympian Arshad Nadeem to Receive Hilal-i-Imtiaz
As Nadeem returned to Pakistan late Saturday night, he was greeted with a hero’s welcome at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Hundreds of fans, along with top government officials, gathered to celebrate his homecoming. Among those present were provincial and federal ministers, who joined Nadeem’s family in welcoming the national hero. The airport runway was decorated with a water cannon salute, and Nadeem was met with cheers and chants from the crowd as he made his way through the terminal.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Nadeem expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from the nation. “I am grateful to Allah for this achievement and for the respect and honour given to me by the people of Pakistan,” he said. The 27-year-old athlete reflected on the hard work and dedication that led to his success, acknowledging the long and challenging journey that culminated in his Olympic gold.
Nadeem’s journey from Lahore to his hometown of Mian Channu was nothing short of a triumphant parade. Accompanied by a procession of vehicles, including dhol wallahs (traditional drummers), dancing youths, and a police escort, the athlete was greeted by jubilant crowds at every stop along the way. The 2.5-hour journey stretched to more than six hours as the convoy made its way through towns and cities, with people lining the streets for a glimpse of the Olympic champion.
In Sahiwal district, special receptions were arranged at various points along the route, with hotels and community centers hosting events to honour Nadeem. Fans from across the country, including distant cities like Sargodha, traveled to join the celebrations, highlighting the national pride in Nadeem’s achievement.
When Nadeem finally reached his home in Mian Channu, he was met with an emotional reunion with his mother, Raziah Parveen. Overwhelmed with emotion, Nadeem fell to his knees at his mother’s feet, a gesture of respect and gratitude. His mother, beaming with pride, pulled him up and embraced him, as the crowd around them erupted in cheers.
Arshad Nadeem’s victory has not only brought joy to Pakistan but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country. His story of perseverance, training in local wheat fields with homemade javelins, and rising to become an Olympic champion, serves as a beacon of hope for future generations. As Pakistan celebrates this historic moment, Nadeem’s legacy as a national hero is firmly cemented, with the promise of many more successes to come.
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