Schoolboy who tackled a suicide bomber remembered

Aitizaz’s father says his son was a hero who saved the lives of hundreds of school students

HANGU: The fourth death anniversary of martyred Aitzaz Hassan, who sacrificed his life while preventing a suicide bomber from entering his school at Ibrahimzai Village of Hangu in 2014, has been observed in a simple way.

Aitizaz’s father Mujahid Ali Hassan while speaking to the media on Saturday said that his son was a hero who saved the lives of hundreds of school students.

On the frigid day of January 6, 2014, Aitzaz was standing outside his school when he saw a suspicious man, wearing suicide jacket and explosives, close in on the school.

The 15-year old without so much as a thought for his personal safety grappled with the terrorist and managed to divert the bomber away from the school. The explosives went off in the scuffle, killing the terrorist and Aitzaz.

His courage gained global acclaim. Aitzaz was termed a hero in war against terrorism. He was rewarded with Tamgha-e-Jurat for his courage and valour posthumously. Besides, a film has also been made on the life of the chubby teenager who was friendly with everyone in his community and a darling son of his parents.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2018.