A moving scene took place in a public school in Gilgit as a renowned poet, writer and teacher Abdul Hafeez Shakir marked his retirement after more than four decades of service.
In a powerful gesture of gratitude, four of his former students relaunched a tradition he had introduced over 25 years ago.
In 1996, Shakir formed a group of four boys to lead the national anthem to the morning assembly – a responsibility they ensured until 1999.
The exercise, he often said, colleagues, did not consist only of playing, but on discipline, dignity and to instill pride in young minds.
On Sunday, these same students – now superior professionals in their respective fields – have returned to the stage and sang again the hymn, this time as a farewell tribute to their teacher.
“When we learned that our beloved teacher retired, we wanted to do something special. Nothing could be more appropriate than singing your anthem once again, “said Abid Khawaja, now a section officer in the provincial government.
The four classmates have since attended important positions: Hassan Ali is deputy director of the food department, Usman Ali teaches at the very school where they studied, Shahabuddin works in the assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khawaja is a civil servant.
“It was an overwhelming moment for us,” said Khawaja. “Everything we are today is the result of Sir Shakir’s advice and tireless efforts. His kindness and teaching remain the most precious assets of our life. ”
Shakir, visibly moved during the ceremony, said that he had never imagined that his students would honor him in this way. “For a teacher, there is no greater award than to see his students succeed in life and will remember you with respect,” he told the public. “This moment will remain with me forever.”
Widely respected through the Gilgit-Baltistan, Shakir is known not only as a educator but also as a poet, playwright and cultural voice. His works in Ourdou and Shina inspired generations, while his teacher career, which began in the early 1980s, has produced a long list of students who are now used by professionals, civil servants, doctors, engineers and writers.
To farewells, colleagues, students and members of the community paid tribute to his service for life. Many have prayed for his health and his long life, describing him as a “teacher teachers” whose influence will last far beyond the class.
