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Peshawar attack survivors in Dubai on a healing trip

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Peshawar attack survivors in Dubai on a healing trip
Pakistani Cricketer Shahid Afridi welcoming the children from Army Public School in Peshawar at Dubai International Airport on Thursday, 04 February 2016.

Dubai - Students of Army Public School, Peshawar, on a 4-day visit

by

Asma Ali Zain
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Published: Thu 4 Feb 2016, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 5 Feb 2016, 3:59 PM

It's been a long and painful journey for the students of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar after the massacre that shook the entire world on December 16, 2014.
On Thursday - a little over a year after the incident in which 132 children from the school were killed after terrorists opened indiscriminate fire - 124 of the injured students are on a healing trip to the UAE.
But it is obvious that on this journey, all the absent ones are being missed sorely. It is also obvious that the children have still not overcome the trauma. While majority are emotionally hurt, others are still carrying physical scars.
Arriving at Dubai Airport, Thursday evening, it did not take long for airport visitors to put two and two together.
Fifteen-year-old Azhar Mahmood took a break and sat on a stool after the long airport walk. He limps slightly and appeared withdrawn. He was shot in the school auditorium where most of the killings took place on that fateful day. "This is my first trip to Dubai and I intend to enjoy," he whispers.

Peshawar Zalmi, one of the teams of Pakistan Super League (PSL) organised this four-day fun filled trip for the students who are accompanied by 18 teachers and the school principal. The entire group, that includes students from Grade 6 to 12, had earlier been to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
Waleed, also 15, said he was excited. "I am happy and I feel excited to be in Dubai, especially since I will get to watch the cricketers play."
Waleed, who bears obvious marks of the trauma on his face, said: "I really want to thank all you people for your love."
The school principal Naghma Naveed says it is time to tell good stories. "These kids have been telling horrible stories ... I am hoping that after this trip they will be able say something nice."
Pakistan's T20 captain Shahid Afridi, also the captain of Peshawar Zalmi, received the children. "It means a lot to put a smile back on the faces of these kids," he said.
Javed Afridi owner of Peshawar Zalmi, who is an alumnus of the same school, has organised the trip.The students will take a dhow cruise, watch the match of Peshawar Zalmi, visit Ferrari World, play beach cricket and interact with students of Gems Wellington Academy. asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

NA040216-CHILDREN- Pakistani Cricketer Shahid Afridi welcoming the children from Army Public School in Peshawar at Dubai International Airport on Thursday, 04 February 2016. Photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan
NA040216-CHILDREN- Pakistani Cricketer Shahid Afridi welcoming the children from Army Public School in Peshawar at Dubai International Airport on Thursday, 04 February 2016. Photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan
Asma Ali Zain


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