The 37-year-old man, Rehmat Pasha, has also been nominated for multiple bravery awards in recognition of his courage.
Pasha said he received a call from Australian minister Tony Burke informing him about the permanent residency decision. In addition to the residency, he has been nominated for government bravery awards, while ride-hailing company Uber, for whom he was working at the time, has also honoured his courage.
And if these weren’t enough, Australian authorities have also decided to preserve the cap Pasha wore during the rescue operation by displaying it at the Sydney Museum.
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Speaking to The Times of India during a visit to Hyderabad, Rehmat Pasha shared that he has since received several job offers but says he is yet to decide on his next step.
“I still have to decide what I want to do after I feel a little more stable,” he said, gaining back his composure.
How Pasha helped
He emerged as an unlikely hero during the December 14, 2025, attack that claimed the lives of at least 15 people. While the incident made headlines after a father and son from Hyderabad were named among the key accused, Pasha was quietly helping the injured amid the chaos.
According to accounts of the attack, Pasha is credited with saving between 18 and 20 lives. He dodged gunfire to reach severely injured victims and helped carry them to waiting ambulances. He also stayed back to comfort traumatised visitors, putting aside his own fear as the attack unfolded.
Pasha Suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder
Despite the recognition, Pasha said the traumatic memories of the attack continue to haunt him.
“People say my life has changed for the better. But images from that day still haunt me,” he said. The emotional scars remain deep as Pasha revealed that he was diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the attack and was temporarily declared unfit for work.
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“I still wake up after 3-4 hours. I hear ambulance sirens in my dreams. I see people running in blood-soaked clothes. I hear children crying,” he said.
Pasha also reveals that he remains in touch with the families of several survivours, who continue to offer him support and gratitude.
“They invite me to prayer meetings, call to check on me and meet me whenever they can. Every time I meet them, some cry, some bless me, some simply hug me,” he said.
