Students honour retiring teacher in a unique way after 25 years

A moving scene unfolded at a government school in Gilgit as renowned poet, writer, and teacher Abdul Hafeez Shakir marked his retirement after more than four decades of service.

In a powerful gesture of gratitude, four of his former students revived a tradition he had introduced more than 25 years ago.

Back in 1996, Shakir trained a group of four boys to lead the national anthem at the morning assembly—a responsibility they carried out until 1999.

The exercise, he often told colleagues, was not just about performing but about discipline, dignity, and instilling pride in young minds.

On Sunday, those same students—now senior professionals in their respective fields—returned to the stage and sang the anthem once again, this time as a farewell tribute to their teacher.

“When we learned that our beloved teacher was retiring, we wanted to do something special. Nothing could have been more fitting than to sing his anthem once more,” said Abid Khawaja, now a section officer in the provincial government.

The four classmates have since gone on to prominent positions: Hassan Ali serves as deputy director in the Food Department, Usman Ali teaches at the very school where they once studied, Shahabuddin works in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, and Khawaja is a civil servant.

“This was an overwhelming moment for us,” Khawaja said. “Whatever we are today is the result of Sir Shakir’s guidance and tireless efforts. His kindness and teaching remain the most valuable assets of our lives.”

Shakir, visibly moved during the ceremony, said he had never imagined his students would honour him in such a way. “For a teacher, there is no greater reward than to see one’s students succeed in life and remember you with respect,” he told the audience. “This moment will stay with me forever.”

Widely respected across Gilgit-Baltistan, Shakir is known not only as an educationist but also as a poet, dramatist, and cultural voice. His works in Urdu and Shina have inspired generations, while his teaching career, which began in the early 1980s, produced a long list of students who today serve as professionals, public servants, doctors, engineers, and writers.

At the farewell, colleagues, students, and community members paid tribute to his lifelong service. Many prayed for his health and long life, describing him as a “teacher of teachers” whose influence will endure well beyond the classroom.