The tragic mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach in December 2025 brought global attention to Hyderabad after a father and son from the city were identified as key accused in the attack that claimed at least 15 lives.
However, amid the tragedy, another Hyderabadi emerged as a symbol of courage and humanity. According to the Times of India, cab driver Rehmat Pasha risked his own life to rescue victims during the attack, an act that has now earned him Australian permanent residency.
Pasha, 37, narrowly escaped the gunfire before rushing to help several seriously injured people. According to the Times of India, he transported victims to waiting ambulances, helped save an estimated 18 to 20 lives, and comforted traumatised visitors who had been caught in the horrific incident, despite struggling with the emotional impact himself.
His extraordinary bravery has now been recognised by Australian authorities, who have granted him permanent residency. His wife and three children are also expected to join him in Australia soon, the Times of India reported.
Australian authorities have also decided to preserve the cap Pasha wore during the rescue efforts by displaying it at the Sydney Museum. In addition, he has been nominated for several bravery awards in recognition of his heroic actions, according to the Times of India.
Despite receiving national recognition, Pasha says the memories of that day continue to haunt him.
"People say my life has changed for the better. But images from that day still haunt me," Pasha told TOI, breaking down several times during a recent interaction in Hyderabad. He is currently back in India to spend time with his family.
Looking back, Pasha said he did not fully comprehend the magnitude of what had happened while he was helping victims on Bondi Beach. The emotional impact only struck him later.
"That's when I broke down," he said.
According to the Times of India, the trauma lingered long after the shooting. Medical professionals diagnosed him with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), declaring him temporarily unfit to work.
Describing the lasting psychological effects, Pasha said:
"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."
The Australian government stepped in to support Pasha by providing financial assistance, medical treatment, and counselling throughout his recovery, the Times of India reported.
During this period, Pasha met Abdul Syed Javeed, an immigration lawyer and founder of the Indian Youth Committee of Australia, who also hails from Hyderabad.
"What he did is beyond courage and recognition," Javeed said while explaining that he recommended Pasha's name to Australia's Department of Home Affairs.
Soon afterwards, Pasha received a personal call from Australian minister Tony Burke informing him that he would be granted permanent residency. Applications for permanent residency for his wife and children are also currently being processed, according to the Times of India.
Pasha has also been nominated for a government bravery award, while Uber—the company he was driving for at the time—has formally recognised his courage and selfless service during the attack.
According to the Times of India, he has since received several employment offers but says he is still focused on recovering before making any decisions about his future.
"I still have to decide what I want to do after I feel a little more stable," he said.
Although the tragedy changed his life forever, Pasha continues to maintain close relationships with many of the survivors and their families.
He shared that they regularly invite him to prayer meetings, check in on his wellbeing, and meet him whenever possible.
"Every time I meet them, some cry, some bless me, some simply hug me."
According to the Times of India, while Rehmat Pasha's courage has earned him national recognition and a new life in Australia, the emotional scars of the Bondi Beach tragedy remain a daily reality. Even so, his actions that day continue to stand as a powerful reminder of compassion, bravery, and selflessness in the face of unimaginable danger.