Murib Zaman

Their life

Murib Zaman was a Pakistani migrant worker from northwestern Pakistan who spent about two decades working as a driver in the United Arab Emirates. Seeking better economic opportunities and safety compared with his conflict-affected home region, he migrated to the Gulf at the age of 18. Zaman regularly sent money home—about $300 each month—to support his wife, five children, and members of his extended family. His life reflected that of millions of migrant workers who sustain their families through overseas employment in Gulf countries.

Murib Zaman was born in 1982 in a village in northwestern Pakistan. At the age of 18, he moved to the United Arab Emirates in search of stable work and income, joining the large community of South Asian migrant laborers in the Gulf region. For roughly 20 years, he worked primarily as a driver in Abu Dhabi. His earnings were vital for his family’s survival; he sent approximately $300 home every month to support not only his wife and five children but also relatives, including the children of a deceased brother. His migration reflected a common pattern among workers from economically challenged or insecure areas who seek employment abroad to support their families. Tragically, despite believing the Gulf to be safer than his home region, he lost his life when debris from an intercepted missile fell during a regional conflict.

How they died

Murib Zaman was killed as an indirect consequence of the escalating Iran–U.S./Israel regional conflict, which led to Iranian missile attacks toward targets in Gulf countries.

During the ongoing missile exchanges linked to the wider Middle East conflict, Iran launched missiles toward targets in Gulf states. Air-defense systems in the United Arab Emirates intercepted one of these missiles. However, fragments and debris from the destroyed missile fell to the ground, striking Murib Zaman and causing fatal injuries.

A plea from the family

His cousin Farman Khan expressed shock and concern after the death, stating that many families send their young men to the Middle East because of unemployment and security problems at home. After Zaman’s body was returned to Pakistan, relatives urged that the war should end quickly, warning that prolonged conflict would severely harm poor families who depend on migrant workers’ income.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Murib Zaman, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources