Pakistan is fighting war against
terrorism and extremism and rendered huge sacrifices. Fighting war on terror,
few incidents of bravery from individuals surface when people set example to
fight against terrorism by sacrificing their precious lives. In one incident of
such nature happened in Hangu, a young student Aitzaz Hasan sacrificed his life
and saved the lives of hundreds of other students. Aitizaz reached school late
on Monday morning and was not allowed to attend the morning assembly as
punishment. He was standing outside the gate with two other schoolmates when a
man aged 20-25 years approached the Government High School Ibrahimzai in Hangu
and said he was there to take admission.
It was during this conversation
that one of the students spotted a detonator and Aitizaz’s schoolmates ran inside.
But Aitizaz stood his ground and got hold of the bomber who then detonated his
vest. There were nearly 2,000 students in the school at the time the attack
occurred. Later in the day, the bombing, which was the first
suicide attack at a school, was claimed by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Father
of Aitizaz said that he would not cry on the death of his son as he has saved
hundreds of mothers from crying for their children.
The principal of the school, and
social activists appreciated the Aitizaz’s bravery and believed such a great
lose could not be described in words. Attacks on educational institutes and
killing innocent children is not only against the teachings of Islam which preaches
the lesson of peace but also such gory activities are against the humanity and
no civilization or religion of the world would allow it. Almost 24 hours passed
but neither the federal nor the provincial government functionary has visited
the family of Aitizaz but on the social activists kept putting pressure on the
authorities to acknowledge the martyrdom of Aitizaz but also he should be
awarded with some top civilian honour. Teenage activist Malala Yousufzai
announced she would give Rs0.5 million to Aitizaz Hasan’s family and called on
the government to bestow the highest civilian award on him. Ultimately Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif approved bestowing of Sitara-e-Shujaat, a high civilian
award for bravery – upon Aitizaz Hasan, which he truly deserved. This act of the government not only would
appreciate the bravery of Aitizaz but also would motivate the others to stand
strong against the brutality of extremist.
Indeed, Aitizaz will live as a hero forever, but it is a pity that our
children have to fight this war and we can no longer let this continue. Authorities must make sure the security of the
children, so they are not only fallen heroes but also become living legends.
