Syed Ali Roshan first got to know Haseeb Abassi, a Special Olympics athlete leader with autism, when he watched his TedX speech 5 years ago. Roshan became an instant fan. Today, the pair are best friends, having stood by each other through their proudest milestones and worst setbacks. They have travelled the world together, advocating for inclusive environments that allow people with intellectual disabilities to thrive. Meet this inspirational duo, who share what makes their friendship tick! 

Q: When and how did you meet? 

Haseeb: I met Roshan for the first time on Autism Day in Islamabad, at a cycling event. With a big smile, he shook hands with me. I was shy at first, but when he told me that he heard great things about me and watched my TedX talk, I was so happy! He was really impressed with my cycling as well. That day, we even cycled together. I introduced him to my mom too. 

Roshan: I had the opportunity to listen to Haseeb’s TedX Talk a year before I actually met him, so meeting him wasn’t any less than meeting a celebrity for me! His speech was captivating, and I was struck with awe. I introduced myself to him and told him that I was extremely inspired by his journey. 

Q: Over the course of your friendship, what did you learn from each other? 

Haseeb: Roshan always gave me the confidence, support and encouragement I needed. Whether I’m about to go on stage for a speech, or preparing for a presentation, he’s always right there next to me. He has helped me become a more independent person. I used to struggle with money management but Roshan has helped me to handle cash competently. He also taught me how to use tools like MS Word and MS Excel, which really helped me grow my business and find a job. Yes, he’s the reason I can use technology comfortably now.  

Roshan: I’m Haseeb’s mentor and friend, but most importantly, a huge fan of his! It’s incredible to be in his company and watch him accomplish anything he sets his mind to. His achievements are extraordinary for any person, regardless of ability or disability. His ambition and consistency towards achieving his goals is unbelievable and it remains the most valuable lesson he’s taught me in life. He always wanted to get higher education and despite being rejected from several institutes, he got a diploma in special education and went on to the Allama Iqbal University in a bachelor’s program. He wanted to earn his own living but despite his best efforts, no one wanted to hire him. So, he became an entrepreneur and started his own juice bar, Squeezy, and this enabled him to get his first job at a university. He doesn’t accept no for an answer, he keeps trying, no matter what.  

Q: How do you usually spend your time together?  

Haseeb: I love to travel and Roshan is my travelling companion. Singapore is my favourite place to be outside Pakistan. I love having ice cream at Marina Bay. We’ve also been to Indonesia and UAE together. At home, we love going on cycling adventures together. In fact, one of my greatest achievements that I’m so proud of, is the time we went to Khunjerab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world.  

Roshan: I enjoy Haseeb’s company. I feel a sense of comfort in talking to him about anything, including personal issues. He’s probably the best person to confide in and he keeps all my secrets safe. We love going to movies and concerts together. Being the certified foodies that we both are, we love to explore good food and hang out at different restaurants. These days, nothing beats sitting outside Squeezy, Haseeb’s juice bar, and enjoying each other’s company with a refreshing drink in the afternoon. 

Q: What is your fondest memory together? 

Haseeb: Roshan’s wedding last year! I danced like no one’s watching, took amazing photos, met all his friends and cousins, and had the yummiest food. I’ve never been happier for him. I was in such a good mood that it was one of the few times I wasn’t afraid of the fireworks. Other than that, the 2019 Special Olympics Summer Games in Abu Dhabi is also one of my favourite memories with him. Going for desert safaris, riding on camels, watching the sunset and sandboarding for the first time – that’s just a glimpse of the amazing trip we had! 

Roshan: I’m not sure where to start. My favourite memories would be from the time when I used to travel with Haseeb. The World Games in 2019, where Haseeb was owning the stage, while I was backstage, with my legs shaking. Going to different schools all across Pakistan and inspiring kids to be inclusive, playing unified sports together, going for hikes and cycling, visiting each other at home – my list might never end! 

Q: Describe your best friend in one word.  

Haseeb: Positive 

Roshan: Inspirational! 

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I remember someone once told me that we need to create a society where being legless would be irrelevant. This is the world I aspire to create, where people with intellectual disabilities would not be judged on their disabilities but on their potential to achieve what everyone can and sometimes, even more!  

I was in university when I came across Special Olympics Pakistan. I was the Vice President of a society called education and community service during that time. A friend came up to me one day and told me about a unified sports event by the Special Olympics, where people with and without intellectual disabilities could play together on the same team. At first, I was sceptical, I did not understand how it would be possible. After our final meeting, we decided to give it a shot.

When the match started, I experienced for the first time in my life, the true joy of football. While we were playing to win, the greater goal was in playing together for the love of sports, making sure that no team-mate was sidelined, and simply enjoying the camaraderie of the team. It was a life-changing moment. I decided then to participate in more such events and even interned with Special Olympics for a while. 

After my graduation, I worked for a company for a year but was looking for something more meaningful. That’s when Special Olympics came into my life full time. I had applied for a job and got through. It’s been more than 4 years working with the team and it has been an amazing journey. 

It has been difficult at times because not everyone understands the importance of inclusion but having Haseeb by my side has been a plus because his journey has been such an inspiring one. 

Haseeb Abbasi  is a Special Olympics athlete leader with autism from Pakistan and I have been working with him for over 3 years now. We have worked on so many memorable projects together and have since forged a valuable friendship in the process.  

One of our most memorable projects was a unified hike in Islamabad that we organised together. We invited people with and without ID to hike alongside one another. It was a magical experience witnessing everyone come together as strangers but leave the event as friends. There were no barriers between people with or without disabilities; only kindness and mutual understanding. 

Haseeb has taught me so much about life and inspired me with his passion, grace, and never-say-die attitude. As a person with autism, he has faced rejection and discrimination all his life. But he’s never given up chasing his dreams. Today, he is an entrepreneur and an active advocate, travelling the world to spread awareness of issues faced by people with ID. 

Haseeb’s success is proof that in an inclusive society, we can all fulfil our potential and have the opportunity to live our dreams. The young people of today, who are the leaders of tomorrow, have a key role in creating such a utopia. Hence, it is important that we inculcate the feeling of love, compassion and tolerance among our youth right from the start. 

People with ID are seen as different, people feel that they perceive things differently. But don’t we all? 

The next time you see someone with ID, don’t shun them. Go up to them, talk to them, get to know them. They might take time to open up but trust me, they are more receptive to love and affection than any one of us. All they need is an equal opportunity to live, work, play, and achieve their dreams.  

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