Peshawar attack: The unsung hero who overpowered one terrorist

PESHAWAR: Though many people appreciated the law-enforcers for showing bravery in the operation against the terrorists who attacked the Directorate General of Agriculture on Friday, no official has lauded the gallantry of a young student who overpowered an attacker to save the life of his friends.
Nine people, including eight students and a watchman, were martyred and 28 others injured when three attackers stormed the Directorate General of Agriculture on the University Road. The student (name withheld) hailing from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa scuffled with the armed attacker. He overpowered the terrorist, who was indiscriminately killing students.
However, the seemingly fragile young man grabbed the attacker tightly. He attacker managed to set himself free by biting young man's thumb. The student saved several lives before the attacker could fire his gun or set off his suicide jacket.
"Salute to this brave hero. The government needs to acknowledge his bravery as well as ensure his security after his photo went viral on the social media," one Aslam Khan posted on the social media.
He added that people on the social media should have avoided posting his picture and other details as it could endanger his life. Others on the social media termed the young man a national hero. They were all praise for his courage otherwise he could have been killed by the attackers.
As there are some heroes from among the students as well as security forces, many families also lost their loved ones after they were hit by the bullets fired by the attackers. Sarzameen, a young man from Buner, was a second year student who was martyred in the Friday attack. The family was making arrangements for his wedding, scheduled in the coming days, but instead they had to arrange for his funeral.
The family of young Qasim Shah belonging to Dera Ismail Khan was preparing for his last examination this month so that he could return home and support his family. However, he was martyred when hit by the bullets indiscriminately fired by the three attackers. His father used to sell firewood to support his education.
Three of the martyrs were named Bilal. They came from various areas of the province and were studying in the provincial capital to complete their education. Watchman Abdul Hameed was obviously from a poor family. He was the first one to be shot by the attackers before they entered the rooms of students in two hostels inside the premises.
"The sacrifice of all the martyrs and those who showed extraordinary bravery needs to be acknowledged by the government. The authorities should also ensure that no child is attacked again while receiving education at any school, college or university," said Atif Khan on the Facebook page.