Naeem Rashid. — Facebook
Naeem Rashid, 50-years-old, was identified by a relative from the video live-streamed by the attacker. He had attempted to stop the assailant as he gunned down victims in the mosque. He succumbed to his injuries at Christchurch hospital, according to New Zealand Herald .
Rashid, a banker by profession, went to New Zealand in 2009 for further studies. He earned a post-doctorate degree and worked as a teacher there. His wife is also a teacher at a local institute.
He was the first cousin of Ex-MPA Amna Sardar and nephew of Dr Saleem Afzal, the former medical director of Ayub Medical Complex.
"Pakistan is proud of Mian Naeem Rashid who was martyred trying to tackle the White Supremacist terrorist and his courage will be recognised with a national award," said Prime Minister Khan.
While speaking to Dawn at the family's residence in Jinnahabad in Abbottabad, Rashid's relatives spoke of how brave and loving a man he was. They described him as a person of "humble nature, who always remained active to help the oppressed".
The relatives fondly recalled his frequent visits to Pakistan and how he had always strived to play a role for the well-being of the general public.
His brother Khurshid Alam told BBC that he was proud of Rashid's actions after seeing the video. "He was a brave person, and I've heard from a few people there, there were few witnesses… they've said he saved a few lives there by trying to stop that guy."
"It's a still a shock for us, whatever hero he becomes … it's our pride now, but still the loss. It's like cutting your limb off," Alam added.
Rashid, along with his eldest son Talha Naeem who also died in the attack, will both be buried in Christchurch. Another one of his sons is being treated for injuries, BBC reported.
According to AP Rashid's brother, who lives in Abbottabad, received an emotional call from his sister-in-law telling him of his brother's death.
Khurshid said his brother had already bought his plane ticket to Pakistan for a May family reunion.
"He was very brave. He snatched the gun and I think he saved many lives," Khurshid said.
Rashid's 75-year-old mother Bedar Bibi was devastated and wanted to fly to New Zealand for a last look at her son and grandson.
"I want the New Zealand government should take me there so I can have one last look of my beloved son and my grandson Talha," she said.
Read more: Mother seeks visa to attend funeral in Christchurch
Talha Naeem