Father, activist, businessman: Mamu’s death leaves villagers heartbroken

Eight people from Takht Bhai die in Wednesday’s attack

PESHAWAR:

Muhammad Said would frequently travel from Mardan to Peshawar on the same bus to purchase goods from Karkhano Market to sell in Takht Bhai. However, on Wednesday morning, an otherwise smooth journey took a violent turn when the bus exploded, limbs and steel frame fused and mangled.

Said was among at least eight victims, all from Takht Bhai, Mardan, who lost their lives in the attack.

The 47-year-old businessman, who hailed from Takkar Village, was known as Mamu because of his unstinted commitment to humanitarian services.

His body was shifted to Lady Reading Hospital. Said’s remains could not be recognised for a long time. His head was severed from his body and this made it difficult to ascertain his identity. He was eventually identified by his son who spotted a ring on his finger

The family man

Although he belonged to a poor family, Said was a hard-working individual who always put the needs of the community before his own. He is survived by four sons and three daughters. His youngest son drowned a few years ago while his eldest son is a third-year student.

Like all fathers, he wanted to see his children excel in the world and saw to it that they got an education.

Said used to live in a rented house in the village and always wanted to own a house of his own. Months before his death, he had pooled together his savings and borrowed money from his friends and purchased a house in Takkar Village. The family had not shifted as there was repair work yet to be completed.

Said had promised to repay his friends and worked hard to clear his debts.

The activist

The 47-year-old volunteered for a variety of causes and hoped to put an end to discrimination part.

As a result, villagers respected him and always valued his opinion.

Imran Takkar, a social worker, told The Express Tribune Said’s funeral prayers were held in the village. A large number of people attended the funeral to say their final goodbyes to a man who had touched their lives. “His death is a great loss of the family,” he said. “The government should provide immediate support to Said’s family as he was the only breadwinner.”

Tragedy strikes

Several residents from Takht Bhai also lost their lives in Wednesday’s attack.

Ismail Khan, who was the only brother to four sisters, also fell victim to the attack. He was a doctor and was recently married. His father had died years ago. Since then, he had shouldered his family’s responsibilities and was the sole breadwinner.

Shahid Ali, a student of University of Peshawar who hailed from Takht Bhai, was also among the deceased.

A father and son who belong to Garo Shah Village of Takht Bhai were also on the bus. While the son died, his father was critically injured.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2016.