Zeeshan came to Australia in 2009 for studies. After finishing his studies, he moved to Canberra. He was working at a local petrol station in Queanbeyan when the two teenagers attacked him resulting in his death.
The teenagers who were charged with the murder of Zeeshan Akbar at the New South Wales Supreme Court, earlier this week.
Talking to SBS Urdu about Zeeshan, his father’s eyes were filled with tears, “it is not easy, it is extremely difficult to live without him.”
“Every day, every moment his mother and I think about him. He loved cricket, his trophies and awards, his accolades all are still present in our house in Karachi," Muhammad Akbar said.
“We look at them and cry.”
Zeeshan’s mother was speechless for a moment before she said, “Children want to go abroad to study. Zeeshan was also passionate about studying and he came to Australia for that.
“They are so passionate to go…”
Zeeshan Akbar with father Muhammad Akbar Source: Supplied
“We used to chat over video and phone. Even the last time we talked he was very hopeful about his PR (Permanent Residency) and wanted to bring his family to Australia.
“He was keen to bring his brothers to Australia for studies and the whole family to move here.
We are really sad that he worked really hard for making Australia his home and after going through everything, when he finally reached his destination, it all went away.
“I really wish if he would have received his citizenship."
“It was an extremely shocking moment,” recalls Zeeshan’s friend Hamid Mehmood, who used to work with him at the local petrol station.
Hamid Mehmood, Zeeshan's friend Source: SBS
“It was a Thursday night when I came to know that an incident has happened.
“We never thought such a thing could take place here, as we haven’t witnessed such a crime in Canberra or Queanbeyan.
“I was the first one Zeeshan met when he came to Canberra; we instantly became good friends. We had common activities especially Cricket.”
Zeeshan's parents who live in Pakistan say they would still want students to come to Australia and study.
“We have lost our son. Bad times don’t come asking, so always take care of yourself," Muhammad Akbar says.
My experience of Australians has been great. They are very loving people and care for each other. Whomever I have met, they were very sympathetic and understanding.
“Students should come here and study. But they must try not to waste time and understand why they are coming to Australia.
“Parents should pray for the success of their children and save their children from every pain and sadness.
“Even though fate is written but we must try to take care of ourselves. Parents wait for their children’s success as that is the ultimate happiness for them.”
Muhammad Akbar says that while he has lost his son in Australia, the people over here have been very helpful in dealing with this situation.
“I have found many more sons here who have been very kind to us.
“Zeeshan’s friends, colleagues, local community and team members of his Cricket team were very sympathetic to us.
“The Australian Police, media, the service station colleagues of Zeeshan and the Pakistani High Commission in Australia have been very kind and helped in all the processes.”
The two teenagers who have pleaded guilty are expected to be sentenced next month.
