Aitzaz Hasan Bangash

Source: http://www.news.com.au/world/teenager-aitzaz-hasan-bangash-hailed-a-hero-for-tackling-taliban-suicide-bomber-at-pakistan-school/story-fndir2ev-1227159595913

Aitzaz Hasan Bangash, who saved the lives of hundreds of schoolmates when he threw himself at a suicide bomber in another Taliban attack just weeks ago, is being remembered today as Pakistan mourns those who died in the massacre overnight. Source: Supplied

AS the world tries to digest the unbearable horror of the school massacre in Pakistan overnight, the story of a boy who thwarted an attack by the Taliban on another school earlier this year has emerged.

Aitzaz Hasan Bangash, 14, was on his way to the Ibrahimzai School in the Hangu district of the volatile northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when the bomber, a young man dressed in a school uniform, asked him for directions.

Aitzaz’s cousin Musadiq Ali Bangash, who was also present, later told journalists they both felt something was not right about the stranger.

“The other students backed off, but Aitazaz challenged the bomber and tried to catch him. During the scuffle, the bomber panicked and detonated his bomb,” Musadiq said.

Aitzaz’s friends tried to stop him confronting the bomber but the boy reportedly threw a stone at the man before running towards him and tackling him at the school gates. Then came an explosion. Aitzaz and the bomber died at the scene and two bystanders were injured.

The ninth-grader’s incredible act of courage prevented carnage at the school, which is attended by 2,000 students.

Students across Pakistan are paying tribute hero Aitzaz Hasan Bangash, 14, who prevented a Taliban attack on another school last month.

“We want them to feel the pain.”

The school Aitzaz attended is located on the border of the disputed region.

“Even the children are dying on the frontline in the war against terror,” the minister said. “The smaller the coffin, the heavier it is to carry. … It’s a very, very tragic day.”