Watch: Pakistani man walks 1,050km across UAE for peace

Abu Dhabi - The Pakistani carpenter's next mission is a walk from Dubai to London.

Mohammad Idress Malik, a Pakistani carpenter, completed his 1,050km 'peace walk' covering the seven emirates, and reached Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Malik started walking on December 2 to mark the National Day. He was received at the Pakistani Embassy by Ambassador to the UAE Moazzam Ahmad Khan.

Moments after finishing his fourth walk across the UAE, he announced his next mission, a walk from Dubai to London.

"Only once I will have to take flight. Once in Paris, I will take Channel Tunnel and reach London. The peace walks I have done so far have helped me get an idea as to how much I can push myself. Dubai-London distance is close to 8,000km. I am planning the 'Walk to London' as an eight-month exercise," he told Khaleej Times.

During his 14-day walk, he used to eat and sleep on the roadside. "I met the whole world during my walk across the UAE. I am promoting the message of peace but also learning things from nature," said the man who works in Dubai.

He had police escort throughout the journey as he carried the UAE flag and a bag of bare essentials.

"People love and appreciate my aim to spread the message of peace. They hug me and offer food. I have won several awards too."

"I started from Hatta to Kalba, from there to Fujairah, Dibba, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai, Al Ain and finally here in Abu Dhabi," he said wearing shoes with front portion torn away. "I have swollen leg and blisters. So, I ripped the front portion."

So why walk every year and what's the big idea?

"I like the peaceful environment in the UAE and hope similar atmosphere is there in Pakistan too."

The Pakistan Ambassador was mighty impressed by fellow countryman's initiative.

"This is a reflection of the love of Pakistanis living here for the UAE," Moazzam Ahmad Khan told Khaleej Times.

"We have close relationship with the UAE and Idress Malik is a glowing symbol of this relationship."

He hailed the peace walk initiative and urged people to come out in numbers and support Malik in future. Khan has assured all help to Malik for his walk to London.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi