Pak driver immolates self; struggles for life

DUBAI — Islam Gul, a Pakistani national working as a driver at National Taxi, is fighting for his life in Rashid Hospital where he was admitted yesterday afternoon after suffering 90 per cent burns.

By Meraj Rizvi And Amira Agarib

Published: Thu 9 Feb 2006, 10:17 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 6:45 PM

Gul, around 30 years of age, in an attempt to commit suicide immolated himself outside the National Taxi office premises in Al Quoz around 2pm.

Sources say that Gul was facing financial problems due to the stress and problems faced at work by the drivers of National Taxi. Besides, his leave request was turned down by the company since he had not completed a year in service with the company, the source disclosed. He pointed out that Gul appeared a bit depressed due to his problems at home and work and finally when his leave request was turned down, he got out of the taxi outside the National Taxi office and immolated himself.

This is the first case of self-immolation by an expatriate worker registered in Dubai, according to a Dubai Police source. The police was immediately informed about the suicide bid and rushed to the site where they found some of the National Taxi staff trying to save Gul by dousing the fire. But, he suffered severe burns and was rushed to the Rashid Hospital where doctors said his condition was critical and that he had suffered 90 per cent burns.

The UAE seems to be literally the end of the road for some drivers with at least three drivers having committed suicide last year. The drivers coming to the UAE are reportedly paying huge amounts to agents to obtain visa. When they fail to pay back, the stress and mounting work pressure lead them to end their lives. The latest case was that of the 30-year old Kenneth Rajan who failed the driving test of the Dubai Transport Corporation. Kenneth hailed from Kollam district of Kerala and is alleged to have committed suicide by hanging himself from a pole which was part of the fencing in the compound of the accommodation where he was staying, after he failed the location and language test conducted by DTC — a pre-condition to join the corporation.

He was worried about his future if he failed to get a job with the DTC. Kenneth had paid Rs150,000 to an agent in India to obtain a UAE visa after borrowing money and selling all his belongings and property.