Assault on Pakistan

Published December 21, 2014

With each passing minute, the numbness merely increased: on a day when Pakistan’s soul was snatched by terrorists, the number of children returning home in coffins merely increased. This wasn’t just a cowardly attack on a school; it was an assault on Pakistan, its freedom, and its future. From the deafening sobs of parents, the many faces and stories of innocence, to the procession of tears of fellow citizens, Pakistan has changed forever.

 The more we are different, the more we are the same: schoolchildren pray for those departed
The more we are different, the more we are the same: schoolchildren pray for those departed

 The principal who fought till the end: Mrs Kazi  (fourth from the left) gave her life up as she sought to protect every last one of her charges.
The principal who fought till the end: Mrs Kazi (fourth from the left) gave her life up as she sought to protect every last one of her charges.

 Targets of the terrorists: those who are still learning to stand in a single file
Targets of the terrorists: those who are still learning to stand in a single file

 The ambivalence of a selfie: one picture brings unbridled joy and uncontrollable tears. These smiles are no more
The ambivalence of a selfie: one picture brings unbridled joy and uncontrollable tears. These smiles are no more

 They were once saplings; they couldn’t grow up into trees
They were once saplings; they couldn’t grow up into trees

 An English literature notebook that could not be filled.  No erasers can remove its stains of blood spilt.
An English literature notebook that could not be filled. No erasers can remove its stains of blood spilt.

 A constant reminder: ambulance sirens are now a throwback to the day when Pakistan’s soul was snatched
A constant reminder: ambulance sirens are now a throwback to the day when Pakistan’s soul was snatched

 How do we take your pain away? How do we ensure you are better?
How do we take your pain away? How do we ensure you are better?

 The heroes of our time: ordinary people who carried the hopes of our future to safety
The heroes of our time: ordinary people who carried the hopes of our future to safety

 Despite being in the lap of safety, the trauma suffered by these children is greater than what most adults see in their lives . Will they ever return to school as mentally healthy children again?
Despite being in the lap of safety, the trauma suffered by these children is greater than what most adults see in their lives . Will they ever return to school as mentally healthy children again?

 The pain of a parent: is my child alive?
The pain of a parent: is my child alive?

 Turn away now, for this moment will remain forever etched in your memory. Send your children to school, for the only response to savagery is more education — APP
Turn away now, for this moment will remain forever etched in your memory. Send your children to school, for the only response to savagery is more education — APP

 Let the fire burn, let this be a beginning for the better
Let the fire burn, let this be a beginning for the better

 Keep the flags flying, even if they are on half-mast.
Keep the flags flying, even if they are on half-mast.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 21st, 2014

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