CANBERRA, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described a Pakistani security guard who was killed in a Sydney shopping center stabbing spree as a national hero.

Speaking at the memorial service for Faraz Tahir on Friday afternoon, Albanese said Australia will always be grateful for his actions during the attack.

Tahir was one of six people who were killed by Joel Cauchi at the Bondi Junction shopping center on April 13.

The 30-year-old Pakistani national was working his first shift as a security guard at the center with compatriot Muhammad Taha when Cauchi started attacking shoppers.

Both were stabbed while trying to protect the public. Tahir died at the scene and Taha was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Albanese on Friday praised Tahir's bravery and offered sympathies on behalf of the government and people of Australia to all who knew him.

"Without doubt, he helped save lives that day. Without question, Faraz Tahir died a hero. And he will be remembered as a hero, in the history of this hard time and in all our hearts," he said.

"Faraz Tahir counted himself lucky to have come to Australia. In truth Australia was lucky to have him.

"Today, as our nation remembers his bravery and honors his life, we affirm that Australia will always be grateful to Faraz Tahir."

Earlier in April, Albanese announced that the federal government had granted Taha, who left his hospital bed to attend Friday's memorial service, permanent residency in Australia in recognition of his extraordinary courage during the attack.

A French national, Damien Guerot, was also awarded permanent residency after he tried to fight off Cauchi with a bollard. Enditem

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