Bank Alfalah pays tribute to Pakistan’s Olympic Boxing Medalist, Hussain Shah

KARACHI, 13 AUGUST 2015 –On the eve of Independence Day, Bank Alfalah gave tribute to Pakistan’s national hero, Syed Hussain Shah by presenting a cheque of Rs. 2 million to the Olympic Boxing Medalist. To recognise the contribution that Hussain Shah has made to the nation, the tribute was given at the premiere of the Bank Alfalah sponsored movie SHAH – a movie based on Hussain’s true story.

As part of its longstanding commitment to foster emerging talent in Pakistan, Bank Alfalah supported Adnan Sarwar – a young man who believed in himself and was determined to make a movie on his childhood hero, Hussain Shah. An emerging talent in film making, Bank Alfalah’s Rising Talent Adnan Sarwar is the writer, debutante director and lead actor of the movie.

Speaking at the event, Atif Bajwa – CEO, Bank Alfalah said “At Bank Alfalah, we foster emerging talent and we want to play our role in ensuring that our future generations take pride in our national heroes and are inspired to follow their footsteps. We are committed to make Pakistan a place where new talent is nurtured and given opportunities to live to their fullest potential”.

“I had no prior experience of film making. But I had the passion and determination to turn my dream into reality. I will always remain thankful to Bank Alfalahfor believing in me. I hope that my story will inspire many others to go after what they want in life,” said Adnan Sarwar at the movie premiere.

Also present at the event were Hussain Shah, who came to Pakistan to especially attend the event, leading celebrities, media personnel and senior representatives of the Bank.

Shah is an independent film based on the true story of the national boxing legend, Hussain Shah, a homeless child from the streets of Karachi, who went on to become the only Pakistani athlete to win an individual medal at the Olympic Games in the last 50 years. Hussain Shah dominated Asian boxing for nearly a decade before becoming the first South Asian in history to win an Olympic Bronze Medal in boxing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Introduced last year, Bank Alfalah’s Rising Talent Programme inspires and recognises young, upcoming talent in the country and provides them with meaningful opportunities. Rising Talent provides a platform for young people who are talented, think differently, and have the will to fight all odds. During the recent past, Bank Alfalah has announced Rising Talent Awards in Fashion, Polo and Cricket. The Bank intends to continue looking for such young talented individuals and help transform ambitions into reality.