The Most Beautiful Face of Pakistan

Doctors had placed the wounded 13-year-old Muhammad Waleed among a long line of bodies, presuming him to be dead. Physically, Waleed appeared lifeless, but he was alive. He tried to speak, but his words failed him. He tried to move to signal to the doctors that he was still breathing, but his body could not respond.

When the doctors left, Waleed noticed a nurse standing at some distance. His only way to communicate his survival was to breathe deeply. As he took long, deep breaths, the blood pooled in his mouth bubbled out. The nurse noticed the blood bubbles and immediately called out to the doctors, "Look! That child is still alive." He was rushed to the emergency room. In a way, those blood bubbles saved Waleed's life.

Waleed Khan was the first student to be shot by militants as they entered Army Public School. He was hit by eight bullets—six of them lodged in his face. His jaw, nasal bone, and teeth were shattered, leaving his face half-destroyed. One attacker, to confirm if he was dead, kicked him repeatedly in the chest. Waleed could hear them say to each other, “Shoot them all in the head.”

When the attackers left the hall, Waleed managed to crawl outside, despite the pain. Chaos surrounded him—screams, gunfire, and frantic running. He cried for help, but everyone was too desperate to save themselves. Leaning against a wall, he moved a few steps before collapsing. He tried to climb a staircase, placing his right foot on the first step, but fell again. That’s when he realized a bullet had also struck his leg.

Lying face down near the stairs, he became an obstacle for others running in fear. People unknowingly stepped on him as they fled. Finally, exhausted and powerless, he crawled on his knees to his Grade 7 classroom and collapsed.

Terrified of being left behind as dead, he punched his injured leg to stay conscious and feel the pain. Ten minutes later, rescue workers arrived and took him to CMH.

Waleed survived, but his identity seemed lost. He lay unconscious for seven days, his face fully covered in bandages, making it impossible for his family to recognize him. They searched every injured child, everybody until his father finally identified him by a vest Waleed had received two days earlier. Even then, the family struggled to believe it was him.

A week later, when Waleed regained consciousness, a doctor asked if he was Waleed. He nodded in affirmation. Today, Waleed doesn’t just nod—he speaks, smiles, and shares his story.

Waleed Khan, once barely clinging to life in his 7th-grade classroom, is now the captain of the cricket team at the University of Birmingham School. He also plays handball and hockey for the school. The militants tried to steal Army Public School from him, but today he leads as Head Boy of Birmingham School’s Student Council.

Waleed says, "Before, I lived for myself. After the attack, I live for others." May Allah bless him with a long life full of success and happiness. Ameen.

Tagline

"From Blood Bubbles to Unbreakable Dreams"

Heartfelt Perspective

Waleed’s story is a testament to the indomitable courage of Pakistan’s youth. His scars tell a tale of survival, and his achievements prove that hope can emerge from the darkest moments. He reminds us all that resilience, courage, and a determination to uplift others are the greatest victories against those who seek to spread darkness.

Engagement Call

Waleed’s story is not just his—it’s ours to learn from and share. What are your thoughts on this inspiring journey? How do you see resilience shaping our future? Share your ideas, reflections, and prayers for Waleed. Let’s amplify this tale of courage and hope together.