Ismail Salim Khan
Ismail Salim Khan was killed when a piece of missile shrapnel struck him as he ran for cover in a residential area of Abu Dhabi. The debris fell after a missile was intercepted by air defence systems, and it hit him just moments before he could reach a shelter, causing fatal injuries at the scene.
During an active missile alert, Ismail Salim Khan and his colleagues began running toward a designated shelter after hearing interception sounds overhead. As UAE air defence systems neutralized an incoming missile, fragments of the destroyed projectile scattered across the area. While most of his coworkers managed to reach safety, Ismail was struck by a falling piece of high-speed shrapnel when he was only about 20 metres away from the shelter. The impact caused severe and fatal injuries. His death highlights the unintended risks civilians face even when defensive systems successfully intercept aerial threats.
Biography
Ismail Salim Khan was a 47-year-old Pakistani expatriate from Nari village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who had lived in the UAE for over a decade. He worked as an assistant helper in a contracting company involved in laying electricity cables. Known as a hardworking and responsible individual, he supported a large family, including his children and grandchild, and was respected by colleagues for his dedication and character.
Ismail spent more than ten years working in the UAE, primarily in physically demanding outdoor roles with infrastructure development. As part of an excavation and cable-laying team, he helped prepare sites, dig trenches, and ensure safe installation of electricity networks. He was known for his reliability and attention to detail, often being recognized as a top performer at work.
Originally from a mountainous region of Pakistan, he maintained strong ties with his community, working alongside relatives including his son, nephews, and cousins. He took pride in providing opportunities for his children, even helping his eldest son secure a visa to work in the UAE. Despite the dangers that emerged during the conflict, he remained hopeful and spiritually grounded, often praying for peace and safety for everyone around him.
He was described as someone who deeply appreciated the opportunities the UAE had given him and was committed to building a better future for his family.
Additional Information
Sources & References
Grandfather killed in Iranian strike on Abu Dhabi prayed for attacks to end1 thenationalnews.com Open source
Third Pakistani killed in UAE identified; body to be repatriated to Peshawar2 geo.tv Open source
Ismail Salim Khan died when he was struck by missile shrapnel as he ran for cover in a residential area3 facebook.com Open source