Pakistani PM recommends heroic teen for award

The prime minister of Pakistan recommended a teenager who died preventing a suicide attack at his school be awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat. Aitazaz Hassan Bangash, a ninth grader at Ibrahimzai School in the Hangu district of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was killed Monday when he stopped a suicide bomber from entering his school during a morning assembly, The News International reported. The teen spotted the attacker, first throwing a rock at him, then running toward him to prevent him from entering the school. The attacker detonated his vest, killing himself and Aitazaz, and injuring two others. Teachers and students at the school say Aitazaz prevented a greater tragedy, and his family said they are proud of his sacrifice. "He sacrificed his life to save that of others," Aitazaz' father said. One of Aitazaz' classmates said the school has requested the government rename the school after him. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday recommended Aitazaz posthumously be awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat, a civil award for bravery. The recommendation has been handed to President Mamnoon Hussain.