The family and friends of Shaheed Aitzaz Hassan, who sacrificed his life to save his classmates from a suicide bomber in 2014, have again called on the government to live up to its commitments and formally recognize his unparalleled bravery.

Speaking to the media on the anniversary of his martyrdom, Aitzaz’s family expressed disappointment that the government had not fulfilled the promises made after his martyrdom.

“Our child, Shaheed Aitzaz Hassan, was not only our child but the nation’s child. The sacrifice he made is no secret to Pakistan or the world,” said Mujahid Ali, father of the national hero, in an interview to Geo News. “Unfortunately, the promises made to us by the government have not been fulfilled, not even one. Aitzaz Hassan, a 15-year-old student from Ibrahimzai village in Hangu, became a national hero when he intercepted a suicide bomber attempting to attack his school and saved the lives of hundreds of students.

His bravery earned him posthumous recognition as a national martyr, with promises of support for his family and the construction of a memorial in his honour. Hasan was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat for his bravery.

But locals say these promises remain unfulfilled. They urged the government to take immediate steps to honor his memory and commitments.

“We demand that firstly, the government formally celebrates his anniversary and secondly, that the commitments it made to his family at that time be fulfilled,” urged Aitzaz’s former classmate Yasir Hussain.

A classmate of Aitzaz also spoke of the void left by his absence, recalling their school days together: “Along with Aitzaz Hassan and many of our classmates, we studied together. We all miss Shaheed Aitzaz Hassan deeply.”

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Aitzaz on the occasion in a social media post on X.

“Today we commemorate the martyrdom of Shaheed Aitezaz Hasan, a true son of the country from Hangu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose extraordinary courage is a beacon of hope and resilience,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that at just 15 years of age, Aitezaz showed unparalleled bravery and bravely sacrificed his life to protect his school and fellow students from the devastating attack.

“His selflessness and unwavering determination remind us of the lasting impact that a single act of courage can have on countless lives,” added the Prime Minister.

He stressed that Aitezaz’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.