Grade 9 student Aitazaz Hassan Bangash has been called a hero after he tackled a suicide bomber and then died at the main gate of his school in Pakistan Jan. 6.
The 14-year-old boy’s father Mujahid Ali Bangash told the AFP news agency he is proud of his son’s brave action that may have saved hundreds of lives.
Aitazaz’s classmates were attending a morning assembly when Aitazaz got into a scuffle with the bomber, who then detonated the bomb.
The bomb injured two other people and the rest of the students were out of harm’s way.
Pakistan citizens are asking Twitter users to use the hashtags #onemillionaitzazs or #aitzaz. Pakistan citizens are also asking for Aitazaz’s bravery to be recognized with an award in the future.
“Real life heroes don’t wear masks and capes. #onemillionaitzaz #aitzaz” from @efcos
“You heroics will never be forgotten on this earth #RIP #onemillionaitzazs #aitzaz . May Allah grant you paradise” from @hammitt_LFC
“Aitazaz Hassan Bangash you are more of a man than most could even hope to be! You are a hero young sir. #onemillionaitzazs #aitzaz” from @stagasaurus_rex
Some in Pakistan are comparing Aitazaz to Malala, the schoolgirl shot by the Taliban in October 2012 for promoting education for all boys and girls.
