The first death anniversary of Mashal Khan – a 23-year-old journalism student at Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan who was lynched to death within the University premises a year ago by an angry mob over blasphemy allegations – is being observed on Friday (April 13).
The brutal killing of Mashal Khan shocked the entire nation which not only raised voice against prevailing extremism across the Country but also demanded a severe punishment for the culprits.
Following an inquiry conducted by a Joint Investigation Team (JTI) and simultaneous hearing by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Haripur District, one student Imran Ali – who had fired at Mashal Khan – awarded death sentence on February 7, 2018 while five others received life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, a ‘March for Mashal’ is being organized at Charing Cross in Lahore in memory of Mashal Khan and in support of freedom for education and an end to extremism on campuses.
Vigils are also taking place today in many Cities in a bid to mark Mashal Khan’s first death anniversary.
Separately, a number of people including the familiars faces took to social media sites especially twitter today to share their views on Mashal Khan’s first death anniversary.
It’s been a year since #MashalKhan was brutally killed by a mob shocking #Pakistan I salute to his family for raising their voice against bigots despite all odds #MashalKhan1stAnniversary
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) April 13, 2018
Tomorrow is the 1st death anniversary of #MashalKhan. After one year despite promises from all political leaders his family still awaits justice as 26 accused were acquitted, 25 convicts were awarded bail, one principled accused Asad Katlang is on pre arrest bail, pic.twitter.com/JugmC12IjD
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) April 12, 2018
Rest in peace #MashalKhan – may there be justice. https://t.co/Y8LsCWcNgE
— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) April 13, 2018
#MashalKhan, a 25-year-old student was killed brutally by fellow students last year, for he fought for minority rights. His family awaits justice. RIP #Mashal. pic.twitter.com/r7J5IHOHMD
— Sabah Alam (@AlamSabah) April 13, 2018
Good to see #MashalKhan being celebrated and remembered. Inspiring youth with such potential murdered so brutally. #NeverForget #NeverAgain #Pakistan #MarchForMashal pic.twitter.com/HjH6Z58hIJ
— beena sarwar (@beenasarwar) April 13, 2018