Children are beautiful creatures mostly because they possess something that we have all lost – the quality of innocence. Amid a world filled with ugly excesses, only a few have the courage to stand up to hate and intolerance – Aitzaz Hasan was one of those people.
Today marks the four year anniversary of the martyrdom of Aitzaz Hasan Bangash, a fifteen-year-old boy from the Ibrahimzai region of Hangu.
Aitzaz stopped a suicide bomber from entering his school and attacking the morning assembly, sacrificing his own life to protect the lives of his schoolmates and teachers.
Aitzaz’s act of bravery to save others around him captured the hearts of Pakistanis and people all over the world. The government of Pakistan awarded Aitzaz the civil award of Sitara-e-Shujaat and he was also named Herald’s Person of the Year in 2014.
No one knows what was going through Aitzaz’s mind when he approached the bomber that winter morning four years ago. What we do know is that he saved the lives of around 700 boys.
A road in Islamabad honoring Aitzaz
Aitzaz’s classmates sitting in his old classroom alongside a photograph of him.
Government High School in Ibrahimzai has since been renamed Aitzaz Hasan Shaheed High School. After his death, Aitzaz’s family insisted that they focus on the pride his brave actions brought, rather than the sorrow of his death.
“My son made his mother cry, but saved hundreds of mothers from crying for their children,” quotes Mujahid Ali, Aitzaz’s father.
Braver than most, Aitzaz’s will always be known as a Pakistani hero. Rest in peace.
cover image source: defence.pk/whattsonxiamen.com