A moving scene developed in a government 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 revived a tradition that had introduced more than 25 years ago.
In 1996, Shakir trained a group of four children to lead the national anthem in the morning assembly, a responsibility they carried out until 1999.
The exercise, often told colleagues, was not just about performing but about discipline, dignity and instilling pride in young minds.
On Sunday, those same students, now older professionals in their respective fields, returned to the stage and sang the anthem once again, this time as a farewell tribute to their teacher.
“When we knew that our beloved teacher retired, we wanted to do something special. Nothing could have been more appropriate than singing his anthem once again,” said Abid Khawaja, now a section of the provincial government section.
Since then, the four classmates have risen to prominent positions: Hassan Ali serves as a deputy director in the Food Department, Usman Ali teaches at school where they once studied, Shahabuddin works at the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, and Khawaja is a civil official.
“This was an overwhelming moment for us,” Khawaja said. “Whatever we are today is the result of Sir Shakir’s guide and tireless efforts. His kindness and teaching remain the most valuable assets of our lives.”
Shakir, visibly moved during the ceremony, said he had never imagined that his students would honor him that way. “For a teacher, there is no greater reward than to see students succeed in life and remember with respect,” he told the audience. “This moment will remain with me forever.”
Widely respected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Shakir is known not only as an educator but also as a poet, playwright and cultural voice. His works in Urdu and Shina have inspired generations, while their teaching career, which began in the early 1980s, produced a long list of students who today serve as professionals, public servants, doctors, engineers and writers.
In the farewell, colleagues, students and community members paid tribute to their life service. Many prayed for their health and long life, describing it as a “teacher of teachers” whose influence will last far beyond the classroom.
