Shad Begum (Social Worker)

Shad Begum, the Pashtun social worker, was born on January 20, 1979, in Talash, Lower Dir, Pakistan. She belongs to a religious and middle-class family and is the first university-educated female in her family. She has always received support from her father, brothers, and husband for her social work.

In 1994, Shad Begum founded the Association for Behaviour and Knowledge Transformation (ABKT) for the development of women in the area. Initially known as Anjuman Behbood-i-Khawateen Talash, ABKT faced many challenges in the male-dominated conservative society of the area. When the Taliban rose in the area and she was threatened by unidentified militants, she shifted her office to Peshawar.

She contributed to female education, political awareness, and health improvement projects in the area. Her organization also completed projects like construction of hanging bridges, installation of hand pumps, sinking wells, paving streets, provision of small loans to local traders, and capacity building of women at grassroots level.

Shad Begum received the International Women of Courage Award in 2012.

Lieutenant Syed Junaid Ali Kakakhel Shaheed

Lieutenant Syed Junaid Ali Kakakhel Shaheed was born in Charsadda, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. He is among the young officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army who sacrificed their lives for the defence of the motherland against terrorism. He was part of the 125 Long Course (L/C) of the Pakistan Military Academy and his parent Unit was 18 Engineers. Syed Juniad Kakakhel was commissioned in the Army in 2012.

At the tender age of just 21 years, he embraced shahadat in and IED explosion on 23 March 2013, during an operation against the terrorists at Mir Ali, North Waziristan.

DSP Hukam Khan (Shaheed):

DSP Hukam Khan, a fearless Inspector of the Bomb Disposal Squad in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, displayed remarkable courage in his role, which primarily involved defusing explosive devices. This seemingly straightforward task, when faced with live bombs, demanded both immense bravery and unwavering determination, qualities that Hukam Khan possessed in abundance.

Despite the escalating threat of terrorism, Hukam Khan and his colleagues diligently carried out their duties with precision and dedication. He had conquered the formidable specter of fear that naturally accompanies the approach to a live bomb planted by terrorists.

Tragically, Hukam Khan paid the ultimate sacrifice for his valor and unwavering commitment to his duty, losing his life while defusing a bomb. Although his martyrdom garnered some attention, it may not have received the full recognition it deserved.

We pay tribute to DSP Hukam Khan Shaheed and countless other heroes like him who laid down their lives in the service of their nation.

Hamza Khan (World Junior Squash champion)

Hamza Khan, the young talented Pakistani squash player hailing from Nawa Killi village in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, made Pakistan proud by winning World Junior Squash Championship.

In 2023, Hamza made history by winning the Championship held in Melbourne, Australia. In the final, Hamza faced Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria.

This victory marked the end of a 37-years wait for Pakistan, as the last time a Pakistani won the championship was in 1986 when the legendary Jansher Khan lifted the trophy. Since then, only two Pakistanis have managed to make it to the final, the last in 2008.

Earlier, Hamza Khan made everyone proud by winning the title of British Open under-15 championship. He has won numerous gold medals at a young age with his talent and capabilities.