National hockey team visits the Army Public School, Peshawar to express solidarity

Lahore: Emotional scenes were observed when Pakistan Hockey Federation President Akhtar Rasool Chaudhry, Chief Selector Shahnaz Sheikh, Chief Selector Islahuddin Siddiqui and players of the national hockey team visited the Army Public School, Peshawar to express their solidarity with the brave students, principal and school staff the other day. The School was the target of the December 16, last, terrorist attack that killed 150 innocent children.

The PHF President Akhtar Rasool, Islahuddin, Shahnaz Sheikh and national players accompanied by Col Nadir and Col Nadeem laid a floral wreath on a monument in the school ground and offered Fateha for the Shaheeds. The PHF president said the sacrifices of the students have awakened the nation from deep slumber. “They are our real heroes and we are proud of them” an emotive Akhtar said while talking with the friends of Shaheed students. At this occasion Akhtar, a former Olympian, dedicated his team’s World Cup-1982, victory to the Shaheeds of the Army Public School.

The Students also vowed to fight against terrorism. “We are determined to fight and eliminate terrorists. They can’t tame us”, calm and composed students lined up in the school ground vowed collectively. They praised the Army for timely reaching for their rescue after the attack which saved lives of hundreds of students. Zunain, a brave boy who sustained four bullets on his shoulder, arm and left foot, said that he vividly remember the carnage and said many of his class fellows were martyred in front of his eyes. “I want to tell the terrorists that we are not afraid of you,” he said. Zunain’s resolve made audience emotional. Islahuddin Siddiqui gave his autobiography to him.

The school children photographed with the national players and prayed for their further achievements in international hockey. On this occasion, PHF Senior Vice-president Mohammed Saeed Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association Secretary Syed Zahir Shah were also present on the occasion.