In solidarity: Amir Khan offers help in fighting terror, rebuild school

Boxer plans to set up youth academies in selected cities.

ISLAMABAD: British boxer Amir Khan on Wednesday promised to help rebuild Army Public School in Peshawar, where 150 people were massacred by the Taliban last week.

Khan, who is of Pakistani origin, has travelled to the country to show solidarity with the victims and their families.

“What has taken place in Peshawar is absolutely horrific and sickening,” the WBC welterweight world champion told a news conference in Islamabad.

“After recently becoming a father myself, I can’t imagine how the families of these innocent children are feeling.”

A team of heavily-armed Tehreek-e-Taliban gunmen stormed the army-run school in Peshawar last week, slaughtering 150 people including 134 children.

The attack shocked the world and 28-year-old Khan pledged to do whatever he could to help.

“I am willing to offer the government of Pakistan and all the stakeholders any help from my side to rebuild the damaged school and to help the fight against terrorism,” he said.

He said he would be setting up youth academies in selected cities, adding that through his foundation, he would support Pakistani children in the health and education sectors.

Last week, Khan said he plans to auction a $45,000 pair of shorts to raise money to help rebuild the school.

Khan wore the flamboyant shorts, which included a waistband made from 24-carat gold threading, during his successful WBC title defence against Devon Alexander in Las Vegas earlier this month.



Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2014.