I have been distraught ever since a psychopath’s gunfire took the life of a 5-year-old child at my alma mater, Public School Sangota Swat. The tragic incident occurred on the ill-fated last van that was heading to the village of Char Bagh in Swat. The child seated next to the targeted baby Ayesha had her lap covered in blood.
Since then, I have remained in regular contact with Prince Dr. Mahmoud Aurangzeb and Sister Riffat Siddiq, the Director of the Convent School in Pakistan. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the psychological rehabilitation of the surviving students, who were deeply traumatized. Sister Riffat Siddiq arranged for a psychologist to conduct sessions discreetly, while we worked tirelessly to persuade the administration to strengthen the school’s security. Unfortunately, the school had been targeted twice before due to administrative negligence.
Fortunately, the province was led by a compassionate individual who recognized the value of education and knowledge. Honorable Azam Khan, Chief Minister of KP, extended unwavering administrative support to my alma mater, Public School Sangota Swat. This included deploying a special police contingent to ensure the safety of the students and the school in the future. The people of Swat, the school administration, and the parents of the affected children will always cherish the empathy shown by Chief Minister Azam Khan, who took a personal interest in ensuring the school resumed its operations.
While progress has been made, there is still much to be desired. It is crucial to provide a standby ambulance, construct security piquets, install floodlights around the premises, and establish video monitoring with recording backup. These measures would serve as a strong deterrent against any future attacks on this important institution.
Yesterday, I personally spoke to Zahoor Hussain, the father of Roma Hussain, a fifth-grade student who had a bullet lodged in her windpipe. Thankfully, she underwent a successful operation performed by orthopedic surgeon Farid Ullah Zimri at Ali Medical Centre in Islamabad. I spoke to Roma Hussain as she was being discharged from the hospital, on her way back home. Soon, she will be able to return to school, healthy and spirited. This signifies the end of a nightmare for the brave Sangotian children.
There is no news more welcoming for Pakistan and its people than the reopening of the Swat school that endured such a traumatic attack. Once again, its doors will open to frightened girl students, and teachers will wear brave smiles, as if nothing had ever happened. This will enable the carefree childhood giggles and laughter to resound on campus, replacing the echoes of gunfire from a few days ago. May Pakistan and its people always remain safe and be guided by capable hands. 🇵🇰
