World’s tallest Pakistani Ghulam Shabbir passes away in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Renowned Pakistani figure Ghulam Shabbir, once the world’s tallest man, has sadly passed away in Jeddah after an extended period of illness.

Ghulam Shabbir had the distinction of being featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for his exceptional height.

Beyond this, he also made a mark in the entertainment world by participating in comedy serials in Saudi Arabia. His deep connection with Saudi Arabia was evident throughout his life.

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In June 2012, a memorable event unfolded when the world’s tallest man, Ghulam Shabbir, and his friend, the world’s shortest man, visited Saudi Arabia.

During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet with officials at the civil defense and various government departments, a development covered by newspapers in the Gulf Kingdom.

 During their stay, both Ghulam Shabbir and Kumar Ali, hailing from Pakistan, were presented with gifts by the Saudi civil defense in the southern town of Baha, before continuing their global tour.

Ghulam Shabbir, a native of Punjab, stood at an astounding height of 2.55 meters, earning him a well-deserved place in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s tallest living person.

He also possessed a weight of 170 kilograms. Ghulam Shabbir’s visit to Saudi Arabia held a special purpose as he expressed a desire to pay his respects at the grave of Hatem Al-Ta’e, a renowned historical figure in the Arab world known for his extraordinary generosity and hospitality.

Shabbir’s interest in Hatem Al-Ta’e was fueled by the fact that he, too, was of towering stature, much like Shabbir himself.

Shabbir’s life began in the village of Sangra, near Faisalabad, which relied heavily on agriculture for its livelihood.

His remarkable growth, deemed abnormal by a local doctor, became apparent at the age of 10. By the time he reached 14, he had outgrown his family and peers in height.

He decided to leave formal education after completing the fifth grade, opting to assist his family by working on their farm, which focused on the cultivation of rice and fruits, a customary practice in his village. It wasn’t until he reached the age of 17 that he departed from his agricultural endeavors.