In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Maaz Jani, a viral social media figure from Battagram, has tragically passed away after a prolonged battle with a lung condition.
The young boy, whose fight for survival captured the hearts of millions, succumbed to his illness on 17th August 2024.
Maaz Jani, hailing from the impoverished village of Ajmira in Battagram, became a symbol of hope and resilience as he clung to life, dependent on artificial oxygen.
His story, which highlighted the dire need for medical treatment abroad in countries like the UK, China, and India, quickly gained traction on social media platforms, leading to a widespread fundraising effort.
The estimated cost of his treatment was a staggering 30 million rupees, far beyond the means of his family.
It was the tireless efforts of Battagram’s young and senior journalist, Ihsan Naseem, that first brought Maaz’s plight to the attention of the public.
After visiting Maaz’s family, Naseem recorded a video that he shared on social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.
The video went viral overnight, prompting an outpouring of support and donations from within Pakistan and abroad.
Among the many who stepped forward to help was Fayyaz Muhammad Jamal Khan Pirzai, a prominent social figure from Battagram residing in Islamabad.
Upon seeing the viral video, Pirzai immediately visited Maaz’s home and arranged for his transfer to Islamabad, where his treatment began.
Pirzai also reached out to federal and provincial ministers and his network of friends to seek further assistance for Maaz’s medical needs.
Simultaneously, Shafiq Rehman Yousafzai, a well-known social worker from the Allai Valley currently based in Turkey, mobilised his contacts, including federal and provincial ministers and NGO officials.
He also connected with Zeeshan Malik, the Personal Secretary to Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who, upon receiving Maaz’s video, announced an air ambulance to take him abroad for treatment.
Shafiq Rehman Yousafzai, a well-known social worker from the Allai Valley currently based in TurkeyShafiq Rehman Yousafzai, a well-known social worker from the Allai Valley currently based in Turkey
Islamabad-based journalist Syed Sheraz Ahmed Sherazi also played a crucial role, sharing the video with the Personal Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur.
After watching the video, Chief Minister Gandapur personally visited Maaz in Islamabad and pledged to cover all expenses for Maaz’s and another patient’s treatment abroad.
Tragically, despite all efforts, Maaz Jani, who often expressed his desire to live, passed away just days before he was scheduled to be flown abroad for treatment.
His death has left the community in deep mourning, particularly as this was the second time his family had lost a son to the same illness.
The sudden loss of Maaz Jani has prompted an outpouring of grief from political, social, and public circles, all of whom have extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.
Prayers for his forgiveness and for his family’s strength during this difficult time have been widespread.
Maaz Jani’s story will remain a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the impact of community support in times of need.
