APS survivor dies two years after the attack

Two years ago, Irshad Hussain was lucky enough to narrowly escape death in the December 16 Army Public School massacre. His parents were thankful to God that their child was safe, other than sustaining some injuries. However, two years after the attack, Hussain also left this world and he became one of those who suffered from the long-term effects of the attack.

Hussain’s father, Ali Zafar buried his son at his Khot Village in Chitral. Even though Zafar met the mourners without tears in his eyes, it is apparent that the father is burdened with sadness beyond anyone’s comprehension.

Hussain, who was 16-years-old at the time of the attack and in 6th grade at APS Peshawar, saw his fellow school mates and teachers fall victim to the brutality of the Taliban when they ruthlessly murdered innocent people. In that horrific attack, 144 students and teachers lost their lives.

Hussain also sustained bullet injuries in his right hand, fingers and back. He was treated initially at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Peshawar, but was released after treatment.

“He was given full treatment at CMH and discharged after complete recovery,” Hussain’s uncle Hameed told reporters.

“After he was shifted back home we saw changes in Irshad.”

Hameed recounts that even though Hussain joined school again and resumed his studies, something in him changed forever. Hussain’s cousin and best friend Wali told reporters that his friend was also sociable and friendly by nature, but the attack had altered him.

“He started to spend time at his room alone because the massacre had badly affected his mental health,” Wali told reporters.

Over the course of next year, Hussain developed back pain which got worse with time and he was readmitted to the hospital several times over the course of two years.

After graduating from APS Peshawar, Hussain got admission at a school in Murree, but due to his failing health, he could not keep up with studies.

One day Zafar got a call from his son’s school, telling him that he had been admitted at CMH Rawalpindi.

“After staying unconscious for four days he opened his eyes,” Hameed said, but Irshad could not even recognise his own father after regaining consciousness.

After finally being discharged on the doctor’s recommendation, Irshad suddenly fell unconscious again.

“This was his last time we were rushed to his bed, his eyes were closed and he was lying unconscious on the bed,” Hameed said, while his voice was choked and eyes full of tears.

Irshad was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes later.

Doctors told Hussain’s parents that he was suffering from heamorrhage and also low count of white blood cells. However, these ailments could not be detected earlier on.

A number of students who survived the brutal APS attack, still suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it can take years before they fully recover from it.

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Posted by fatimaarshad on Dec 16 2016. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.