Aitzaz Hassan

Aitzaz Hasan (Urdu: اعتزاز حسن‎) was a Pakistani school boy from Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province who was killed while preventing a suicide bomber from entering his school of 2,000 students at Ibrahimzai village of Hangu, on January 6, 2014.

Aitzaz's action to save his classmates captured the hearts of many in Pakistan, and he was hailed as a national hero. For his act the office of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has advised President Mamnoon Husain to confer Aitziz Hasan with the high civil award of Sitara-e-Shujaat (Star of Bravery) by Government of Pakistan.

Life

Aitzaz Hasan is son of Mujahid Ali. His family included his mother, brother and two sisters. Aitzaz Hasan was a 9th grader at the Ibrahimzai high school. Hasan's cousin Mudassir Bangash described him as an accomplished student who excelled in all extracurricular activities.

The area where Aitzaz Hasan lived is home to many members of the minority Shia Muslim group, a number of whom have been killed by armed groups that view them as heretics. The teenager was known for openly criticizing armed groups.

Suicide bombing incident

On January 6, Aitzaz was outside the school gate of Government High School Ibrahimzai in Hangu, being punished for tardiness Thereupon, an allegedly 25-30 year-old man approached the gate and stated he was there to "take admission". Aitzaz grew suspicious when a man, wearing the same school uniform as the students, asked for directions. One of the students noticed a detonator, whereupon the students ran inside while Aitzaz confronted the suicide bomber. The vest detonated or was detonated.

According to other accounts Aitzaz was on his way to school when he spotted a suspicious person. When Aitzaz tried to stop him, he started walking faster towards the school. In an attempt to stop the bomber, Aitzaz threw a stone which failed to hit him. Then Aitzaz ran towards the person and grabbed him, prompting the suicide bomber to detonate his explosive-laden vest.

Aitzaz died in the hospital. No other students were harmed. Aitzaz’s act saved the lives of hundreds of students. Scores of people attended his funeral to pay their respects.

The Sunni group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the attack.

Reactions

Aitzaz's father, Mujahid Ali, said that his son made a sacrifice to save the lives of others, "my son made his mother cry but saved hundreds of mothers from crying for their children. "Aitzaz’s story led to an outpouring of emotion on television and on social media, where the hashtag #onemillionaitzazs quickly became a favorite amongTwitter users.

The Minister for Information in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Shah Farman, said that Aitzaz was a "real hero and true face of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa".

Pakistani Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said that Aitzaz Hasan is "a national hero, who has sacrificed his today for our tomorrow."

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani teenager education activist, who was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 described Aitzaz as “brave and courageous” and said "his bravery must never be forgotten". She pledged to donate £5,000 to Hasan's family.

On 12 January, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan announced setting up of a trust fund for Aitzaz Hassan's family. He also said that he will establish Aitizaz Hasan Fund.

Awards and honours

Many people demanded the Nishan-e-Haider or similar supreme award be awarded to Aitzaz Hasan posthumously. The office of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has advised President Mamnoon Husain to confer Aitzaz Hasan with the high civil award of Sitara-e-Shujaat (Star of Bravery) by Government of Pakistan. The award will be received by Aitzaz Hassan's family on March 23, Pakistan’s national day.

On 12 January, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) bestowed a global bravery award on Hasan.

Tribute

Scores of people attended his funeral to pay their respects. A floral wreath was laid on the grave of Aitzaz Hasan on behalf of the Pakistani Army chief. A Facebook page has been set up in tribute to his act.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

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