Penniless salesman richer by Dh100,000

A resident of Balochistan province in Pakistan, Karim was preparing to return home when he purchased a Postcard Millionaire weekly draw ticket on February 18. And emerged the lucky winner.

"I had come to the UAE a few months ago. I was working as a salesman with Super Radio Electronics, where I was drawing Dh1,600 as salary. But the company closed, leaving me in lurch," he narrates.

In fact, his employer had suggested to him to locate some other job here. "While mulling my return, I bought the ticket from a kiosk near Astoria Hotel in Bur Dubai," he informs.

Recounting the lucky day, Karim says he had just switched off the mobile to say his prayers. "I prayed to the Almighty to help me tide over the crisis. No sooner had I switched on my mobile after finishing the prayers that the phone rang. The caller asked for my ticket number. At first I took it as a joke. But no, it was a miracle!" he gushes.

But Karim is yet to inform his family in Pakistan about the 'miracle'.

"I want to give them a surprise. I want to tell them about it in person."

The Pakistani national is crystal clear about his priorities. "I have got large debts to clear. I have to provide the best possible education to my children."

When contacted, the officials of Millionaire Company said the verification process had been completed in this case. Kavita Chakravartty Flynn, Marketing and Corporate Communications Director of the company, said, "We always make sure that the verification process is perfect."