Boosting morale: Blast survivor visits Army Public School

Irfan Khan urges students to look ahead and not lose hope.

PESHAWAR:

Irfan Khan, a seventh grade student from Islamia Collegiate School, visited Army Public School (APS) on Friday to share his own traumatic struggle to cope with a militant attack which changed his life forever.

Hailing from Kurram Agency, Irfan lost his legs in a terrorist attack on July 25, 2011. Although the incident completely altered his life, he did not lose hope and continued to attend school.

Civil society organisations urged Irfan to visit the army-run school on the first month anniversary of the attack and raise the morale of students.



A ceremony was organised at APS for Irfan and his friends by the Pakistan Air Force. The 12-year-old blast survivor spent the day with APS students.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Irfan said he received a warm welcome at the school.

“I met all students and teachers at the school,” he said. “The purpose of my visit was to encourage the students to not lose hope. We have seen very difficult times because of the rise of militancy in the province. We can’t give up so easily.”

According to Irfan, students and teachers at APS lauded his commitment to continue his education.

“I told them that going to school is the best revenge against militants,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, APS students voiced enthusiasm over Irfan’s visit.

Faisal, who lost his brother Haris in last month’s tragedy, said the blast survivor’s visit has generated a positive impact. “It is rare to find people like Irfan,” he said. “He realises the importance of receiving an education and wanted to encourage us to look ahead.”

Ahmad, another APS student, said the National Cricket Team had repeatedly promised to visit the school but had never honoured their word.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2015.