By Shah Khalid Khan Hamdani
Time’s wheels had stopped turning. On the evening of 26 July 2026, within the grounds of District Council Public High School in Upper Dir, the air carried the fragrance of childhood, eyes held forty-year-old tears, and hearts bore a debt of gratitude that could never be fully repaid. This was no ordinary reunion — it was a living, throbbing, weeping, and smiling moment. Former students bowed their heads before their teachers, embraced them, let their eyes grow moist, and made a helpless attempt to return everything time had taken away: that first lesson, that first scolding, that first word of encouragement, and that hand placed on a falling shoulder saying, “Son, get up… become a human being.”
That day, the school grounds rang once again. The teachers and students had white hair and bent backs, yet the relationship between them remained exactly as it was — pure, enduring, and everlasting.
The dream that became reality
Behind this historic event was a core committee that had stayed awake for nights, kept their eyes open, and burned their hearts to create a miracle. The most prominent names were:
Engineer Tariq Babar— President of the Alumni Association, the guiding spirit and backbone of the entire program. Gathering the retired teachers, coordinating their schedules, and running the whole event with unmatched discipline — all this was the result of his tireless effort. From welcoming guests at the gate to the concluding moments, Tariq Babar was present everywhere, like a devoted son serving his elders.
Professor Wajid Raza— The visionary whose counsel formed the real foundation. He had said, “Bring the teachers back to the same school where they devoted their lives.” He not only gave the idea but also beautifully designed the certificates, shields of honour, commemorative gifts, and invitation cards. His creative talent turned the event into a work of art.
Sadiqullah (DSO)— The very embodiment of warm-hearted enthusiasm. He took charge of gifts, hospitality, and all arrangements. His smiling face made it clear that this was not merely a program for him, but the greatest emotional moment of meeting his teachers.
Sahibzada Mazharuddin— Vice President, whose poetry added a literary glow to the occasion. His hard work and emotional speeches moved everyone.
Mufti Nisar— Who gave the atmosphere a spiritual colour. His presence sanctified the event.
Nigār Hussain— The epitome of excellent hosting. The dinner arrangements, the beauty of the dishes, and the hospitality — all were the result of his attention.
Shah Khalid Khan Hamdani— Media In-charge, who took the event to the international level even from America. The shield awarded for his journalistic services was received by his children — Anabia, Haleema, and Fahad. Seeing the shield in those small hands, tears could not be held back — a scene that showed this respect is not limited to one generation but is passed down through generations.
Zakirullah Safi, Inayatullah, Rashid Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, Asad Iqbal, Arshad Khan— These companions stood shoulder to shoulder day and night in financial responsibilities, provision of materials, arrangements, and every small and big service. Without their hard work, this dream could never have become reality.
The lights that never dimmed
At the beginning of the ceremony, special mention was made of the departed teachers who had passed to the next world: Respected Ustad Buzurg Ahmed Sahib, Ustad Habibullah Sahib, and Ustad Fazl Subhan Sahib. Special prayers were offered for them. A deep silence fell over the gathering. Students’ eyes became wet. Their honorary shields were received by their sons. The scene moved every heart — it felt as if those elders were also present, smiling and offering their blessings.
Among the honoured teachers were Sahibzada Fazlullah Sahib (former Principal), Laiq Saeed Sahib, Pir Sher Alam, Fazl Rabbi, Najm ur Rahman, Irshad Shaheen, Shamsuddin Sahib, and more than 25 other respected teachers. When they entered through the gate, a strange silence enveloped the atmosphere. Flower garlands, traditional Dir caps, bouquets, and the students’ applause — everything made hearts overflow.
Sahibzada Fazlullah Sahib said in a trembling voice:
“Those children who used to play in my hands are now sitting before me as doctors, engineers, journalists, and professors.”
The tears falling from his eyes drenched every heart. Every teacher expressed pride in the successes of their students. Mazharuddin Sahib’s poetry, Gul Ahmed Sahib’s ghazal, Fazl Arman’s poem, and Suhail Sahib’s naat gave the atmosphere both spiritual and emotional depth.
The moments that settled in the heart
During the shield distribution, pride and tears appeared together on the teachers’ faces. Students kissed each teacher’s hand, embraced them, and refreshed old memories. In the evening, when teachers and students sat together at tables arranged in the grounds, it felt as if time had turned back.
At the end, the teachers departed with prayers, and the students escorted them to their vehicles. Eyes were moist, but hearts carried a deep peace — the generational debt had been repaid, at least in part.
