“Only 19 days left, Mama”, these were the words spoken by Sabika in the last and final communication with her mother as reported in the media, probably on May 18 (Friday).

Millions have mourned this young death, a flower plucked in its bloom. The clips of her room, shown by the electronic media, speak of an intelligent mind, an asset for our future.

We at the Centre of Physics Education are always in search of such bright minds. That bullet robbed us, our nation, of such wealth.

What prompted the killer, probably as young as Sabika, to spatter bullets? Would he be able to perform this act if guns were not available so easily in the US? According to US print reports, there have been 22 such incidents this year so far.

Like other incidents this incident will also be ignored by the strong and mighty Trump because he lacks the intelligence to understand and solve problems.

Our hearts go out to Sabika’s family. We do not have words to condole her parents. Let us think of something to keep her memory alive.

Could the Governor of Sindh initiate a scholarship in her name?

Aquila Islam

President, Centre for Physics Education

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2018