NUST remembers APS
Documentary “The Survivor” screened at NUST, Vigil also held
Islamabad: A day before the 16th December APS massacre turned 3 years old, NUST paid homage to martyrs and survivors in an event held in the SADA seminar hall. The solemn event marked how the worst act of terror in Pakistan’s history was still fresh in everyone’s mind.
The event included a screening of the award winning documentary “The Survivor”, which told the story of Muneeb Khan, and APS survivor who lost his younger brother in the tragedy. The documentary was built around how the APS massacre altered the course of Muneeb’s life, who is now aiming to become a game developer to help children learn the basics of combat.
Speaking after the screening Danial Zafar, the director of the documentary recalled how the documentary was made with a DSLR and the sound recorded with an IPhone. “Yet it moved everyone who saw it, because the story was so powerful”, he said. Adding that Muneeb has been offered an admission in a very prestigious game design school because of the documentary.
He also said that APS affected the people of Pakistan in a very different way than any other act of terror in the past. He first observed this as he covered a vigil in Islamabad. “I could see that for the first time, people were frustrated”, he said.
Danial Zafar speaking after the screening
The event began with poem recital by Muhammad Saad. Read in the style of a battle cry, the poem shook up the whole hall, Saad’s voice ringing in every ear.
Anam Gulraiz who attended the event felt that it roused feelings of patriotism in her. “It is our responsibility to take a stand against terrorism” she said, “not by weapons but by love and education”.
A candle light vigil was also held after the screening in addition to a special prayer for martyrs, survivors and families affected by the tragedy. A dull silence hung over the room as attendees departed from the illuminated candles.
