Family Grieves Pakistani Father of Five Killed by Missile Debris in Abu Dhabi

A Pakistani expatriate who had spent more than a decade working in the UAE to support his family has died after debris from an Iranian missile struck a home in Abu Dhabi. Murib Zaman Nizar, 44, originally from Bannu in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was killed on February 28 when fragments from a missile fell on the residence where he was present. The incident occurred on the first day of Iran’s missile and drone strikes targeting the UAE.

Nizar had been employed as a driver for a family in the capital city. According to UAE authorities, the attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure have been described as “brutal and unprovoked.”

A Life Dedicated to Family

Back in Bannu, Nizar’s family is struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man who had devoted much of his life to supporting his loved ones. His younger brother, Muhammad Khan, said Murib constantly spoke about improving the lives of his children.

He said, “My brother wanted to do a lot for his family, always spoke of wanting to build a house for his children.”

Also added, “He was always talking about his daughters, he wanted better for them. But he is gone before he could do any of this. He was inside the house when the missiles fell on February 28.”

Murib leaves behind five children. His eldest child is a 12-year-old daughter, while his youngest, a son named Hashir, is only four years old. For the past 14 years, Murib had been working in the UAE, regularly sending money home to provide for his family.

“Our family is poor, we are laborers and he was the hardest worker,” Muhammad said.

Although Muhammad also works in the UAE as a construction worker in Dubai, the brothers rarely had the chance to meet due to their demanding schedules. They had planned to travel back home together for Eid this year, but instead Murib’s body was returned to Pakistan for burial on March 7.

A Man Who Helped Everyone

Relatives describe Murib as someone who quietly carried heavy responsibilities without complaint. After the death of his younger brother two years ago, Murib stepped in to help support that household as well, effectively providing for multiple families.

“He had a big heart. He could not say no to anyone,” said his nephew, Dr Shahzeb Khan, a general practitioner. “He would even take a loan to give money to a friend who needed support.”

Despite the financial pressure of supporting several families, Murib rarely showed signs of worry.

Shortly before his death, Murib had sent money home so that children in the family could receive new clothes and gifts for Eid. According to relatives, one of his long-held wishes was to take his elderly parents on Umrah and ensure that his children received a good education.

Mourning in the UAE Community

Members of the Pakistani community in Abu Dhabi also remembered Murib as a dependable and honest worker.

“He was hardworking, reliable, dependable and honest, everyone trusted him,” said Pakistani social worker Haji Daraz Khan. He also said Murib was working at his employer’s home when it was struck. The house was damaged and a man known for taking care of everyone around him lost his life.

Murib is among people who have died in the recent Iranian attacks on the UAE, which have also left more than 120 people injured. Over a span of 12 days, hundreds of missiles and drones have been launched across the country. The victims include two Emirati citizens, two Pakistanis, a Nepali national and a Bangladeshi citizen.

Messages of Condolence

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths of the two Pakistani nationals killed during the attacks. In a message shared on social media platform X, he said he was deeply saddened by the loss and extended condolences to the affected families.

Pakistan’s embassy and consulate in the UAE also offered prayers and support to the grieving families, reaffirming their commitment to assisting the Pakistani community in the country. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali, said the safety of Pakistani nationals remains a priority and thanked the UAE authorities for their continued efforts to protect residents.