Mashal Khan's sister graduates with honours, dedicates degree to late brother

PESHAWAR:

Storiya Khan, the brave sister of Mashal Khan, who was tragically murdered in 2017 on false allegations of blasphemy, has successfully completed her graduation in biomedical engineering with high honours from the University at Buffalo, New York.

In a poignant tribute to her late brother, Storiya dedicated her degree to Mashal Khan, highlighting the enduring power of education in the face of adversity.

The Khan family has endured immense pain and hardship since Mashal Khan's untimely demise in the Journalism Department of Abdul Wali Khan University. After a thorough investigation, the authorities confirmed that the allegations against Mashal Khan were false, leading to convictions for the perpetrators. The main perpetrator received a death sentence, later commuted to life imprisonment, while the remaining culprits were sentenced to three years in prison.

The news of Storiya Khan's graduation brought a glimmer of happiness to the Khan family. Muhammad Iqbal, Storiya and Mashal's father, expressed his joy and emphasised the significance of education in their household. He spoke about Mashal Khan's unwavering support for his sisters' pursuit of knowledge, recognising education as a practical and purposeful reflection.

Storiya Khan's academic excellence has been evident throughout her school and college years. Despite the distress caused by the tragic incident involving Mashal Khan, Storiya remained resolute and continued her educational journey, refusing to succumb to the challenges and difficulties that followed.

Also read: The case of growing violent extremism in Pakistan

After completing college, Storiya Khan applied for a scholarship at the University at Buffalo, New York. Following a successful interview, she secured her place and embarked on her academic pursuits in the United States.

Speaking about his daughter's accomplishments, Muhammad Iqbal stated, "After Mashal Khan's murder, our lives went through many ups and downs. We not only lost our son but our entire life turned upside down. Our business suffered losses as well. However, we did not lose courage and kept moving forward. Today, after six years, we are happy because of Storiya Khan, and all our family members are delighted."

Muhammad Iqbal hopes that Storiya Khan's success will inspire Pakistani children and youth to pursue education and contribute to the development of the nation. Despite the deep grief still felt for Mashal Khan, the family believes that his spirit lives on through their commitment to enlightenment and education.

Reflecting on Mashal Khan's character, Muhammad Iqbal shared, "Mashal Khan was a spiritual person since childhood. He used to recite the verses of Rahman Baba and also read the Holy Quran with translation. He was also fluent in five to six languages."

While Mashal Khan's memory remains ever-present, Storiya Khan's graduation serves as a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of education. The Khan family continues to advocate for justice and educational opportunities for all, ensuring that Mashal Khan's legacy will forever be remembered and cherished.