WHILE the nation faces a brutal wave of terrorism, espec-ially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, we tend to forget the heroes who gave their life fighting those who are today terrorising us. The lack of recognition for Aitzaz Hasan Bangash, a true national hero, who sacrificed his life while stopping a suicide bomber from entering his school and saving lives of hundreds of his schoolmates over a decade ago in Hangu, is quite disturbing. The courageous act of selflessness deserved more than just fleeting recognition. It deserved to be honoured at the highest level by the nation.

In Pakistan, where terrorism and extremism have been wreaking havoc for decades, Aitzaz’s bravery stands as a beacon of hope and courage. It is rare to see such a young individual, especially a student, demonstrate such unflinching bravery in the face of certain death.

His sacrifice not only saved hundreds of lives, but also prevented countless families from enduring unspeakable grief. For this, Aitzaz’s name should be etched in the annals of national history.

Sadly, despite the immense courage displayed by the young martyr, the rec-ognition he deserved remains missing.

Rather than allowing his story to fade into obscurity, it is crucial for the gover-nment to establish national programmes that honour his sacrifice. A national day of recognition, especially on the anniv-ersary of his martyrdom, would not only give proper tribute to Aitzaz’s heroism, but also serve to inspire young people across the country to stand up against extremism and violence.

The government must ensure that such heroes are never forgotten and that their courage is celebrated through institutional programmes, public awareness campaigns, and national awards.

At a time when Pakistan faces nume-rous challenges in the fight against extremism, Aitzaz’s example provides a powerful message about the power of individual courage in the face of terror.

Sajid Ali Bangash
Hangu

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025