World's tallest man arrives at NAIA

The world’s tallest man, Pakistani national Ijaz Ahmed, arrived yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to raise funds for his medication after a car accident.

Standing 8 feet 4 inches, the 26-year-old Ahmed arrived at 1:15 p.m. from Pakistan via Bangkok on board Thai Airways flight TG 620.

Two Pakistanis identified as Mohammad Yaseen, promoter, and Jamil Ahmed, caretaker, accompanied him.

Media men and other airport employees took souvenir photos as Ahmed and his companions walked toward the concourse.

Ahmed, of Punjab, weighs 287 pounds, wears size 22 shoes and is still growing.

Yaseen said Ijaz was involved in a car accident a few years ago and sustained a serious right foot injury, making it difficult for him to walk. He uses a cane to move around.

“He cannot walk alone. So we have to assist him. We came here to the Philippines to seek help for Ijaz’s medication through fund raising. The tallest man in the world has no money to cure his illness,” Yaseen told reporters.

Asked why he chose the Philippines, Ahmed said, “Filipinos are kind-hearted.”

“There are also many Pakis-tanis who could help me in this country. A number of them are good businessmen.” 

Ijaz is the only one among 11 siblings who grew unusually tall. His six sisters and four brothers are all average in weight and height.

Through an interpreter, Ijaz, still a bachelor, said he looks for natural beauty, simplicity, and honesty in his future partner.

He hates duality, injustices and extortionists.

His favorite sports are cricket and baseball. His favorite foods are Pakistani and Chinese vegetables.   – Rudy Santos