LAHORE: Farhan Ayub, who claims to be a two time Guinness World Records (GWR) record holder in martial arts, has been holding a ‘peaceful and silent protest’ all alone outside the Punjab Assembly from the last two days.
He carries a certificate from GWR in his right hand which reads, “The most number of kip-ups (break dance) in one minute is 25, achieved by Farhan Ayub of Pakistan, in Lahore on March 15, 2017.”
At the same time, he holds another poster in his left hand which says, “Appeal to politicians. I want to study from the last five years but I have no fee.”
In an interview with Pakistan Today on Saturday, the 24-year-old martial arts player said that his achievements at the international level have not been appreciated in Pakistan, therefore, he is unable to pursue his future in martial arts, and thus wants to continue his studies.
He said that he has two demands from the politicians, especially from the Punjab Chief Minister CM Shahbaz Sharif. First, he should be given Rs 300,000 to 400,000 as a ‘reward’ for his achievements at an international level, and second, he should be given free education at the University of Central Punjab (UCP) in BS Media Studies.
He said, “I am not appealing to the chief minister for financial assistance, or to the public for this purpose. I only want the reward money from the CM.”
He also said that he set the first world record at an event organised by the Punjab Sports Board (PSB) in 2014. He lambasted that the board did not organise any event in next three years and claimed that he participated in next event on his own and got a $1650 reward from GWR.
He regretted that no one from the authorities ever recognised his records, and did not even bother to stop to listen to his grievances during the protest.
“I can break 7 to 12 Guinness world records for Pakistan if am given Rs 300,000 to 400,000 for starting my preparations in this regard,” he said.
He said that his silent protest will continue until his demands are accepted. “I will not appeal to the public to join me in my protest,” the player wearing martial arts uniform and badge in his neck vowed.