Pakistan school massacre: See some of the victims

Among the 141 people who were killed when Taliban gunmen attacked a school in the Pakistani city of Peshawar were the school principal, who is being hailed as a hero, and teenagers at school with their friends. Here are some them:

Mobeen Shah Afridi, student

A high achiever at school, Mobeen Shah Afridi wanted to be a doctor or engineer. He was killed – shot in the back of his head – while trying to escape through a window. His funeral took place early on Wednesday.

Tahira Qazi, Principal, Army Public School, Peshawar

Tributes from Tahira Qazi’s former pupils on social media sites are a testament to the respect and affection she was held in. One, Rahim Khan, said his heart was bleeding and he tweeted: “my beloved teacher Ms.Tahira Qazi, you r a martyr!!” as he posted a picture of them together.

She was among nine teachers and staff believed to have been killed in the Taliban attack. Ms Qazi was known to be one of the most experienced head teachers in the city, running the elite school.

Witnesses quoted in local media say she ushered many students to safety, called up some parents urging them to come and collect their children. But the exact circumstances of Ms Qazi’s death remain unclear.

“Classes 8-10 were in a special seminar on first aid in the main hall when students heard gunshots and then countless men burst in and opened fire. Teachers and the principal were also there,” Shahrukh Khan – one of the pupils who was shot in both legs but managed to escape – was quoted as saying by Reuters.

In 2012, Ms Qazi was awarded the principal of the year award for “achieving excellence and showing professional exuberance in her duty.”

Yasirullah, student

Yassirullah was a student in Year 8, a relative of Peshawar journalist Manzoor Ali who wrote in a piece that 16 December must be seen as Pakistan’s 9/11.

Saeed Khan, teacher

Teacher Saeed Khan was buried late on Tuesday night in Peshawar. Some of those who knew him have paid tribute to him, including the Bin Qutab Foundation, which said that Mr Khan was a donor and supported its philanthropic efforts.

 (Mourners at Saeed Khan's funeral)

Sher Shah, Student

Sher Shah, a student believed to be 14 or 15 years old, was a student at the Army Public School (APS).

Usman Sadique Abbasi, student

One of Usman Sadique Abbasi’s friends told the BBC that the body of the Class 10 student was returned to his home town of Abbottabad for burial.
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Sofia Amjad, teacher

Sofia Amjad, a lecturer at the school, was married to a Peshawar lawyer. One local media report says the next big landmark in her life was to see her daughters married.

Source: bbc.com