AS the militants’ war on Pakistan grinds on, new tragedies unfold nearly every day. By now, we have become so numbed by violence that suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism have begun to be accepted by Pakistanis as a fait accompli. Yet once in a while ordinary citizens demonstrate such courage that it inspires us to stand up to the onslaught of the militants. Malala Yousafzai’s defiance of the outlawed TTP is a case in point. Similarly, young Aitezaz Hussain’s ultimate sacrifice on Monday deserves to be highlighted for the selfless bravery the ninth-grader displayed. As reported, the young man arrived late for school in the Ibrahimzai area of Hangu and had to wait outside the premises. Noticing a suspicious individual approach the school building Aitezaz signalled him to stop. However, upon the intruder’s refusal to do so the student ran after him. The young lad’s suspicions were correct; as soon as Aitezaz accosted the intruder the individual blew himself up, killing the schoolboy too. Hundreds of students and teachers were reportedly inside the school building at the time of the incident and the carnage can be well imagined had the youngster not challenged the suicide bomber.

There is very little that can console Aitezaz Hussain’s family. But perhaps they can comfort themselves with the thought that their son gave his life so that hundreds of others could live. We must never forget Aitezaz and those like him — both civilians and those in uniform — who have sacrificed life and limb in the fight against militancy. In this case, the militants may have snuffed out a promising young life; but there is little they can do to subdue the spirit which drove the young man to sacrifice his life in order to resist tyranny and fanaticism. The state must condole with the young man’s family and offer them all possible assistance. Equally important, those in power should learn a thing or two from a young schoolboy about courageously standing up to violent extremism.