Hats off to Samad Khurram

i was astonished to hear and read the news that a Pakistani student has refused to accept award from US ambessider to Pakistan.

An award distribution ceremony was held in National Arts Gallery, Islamabad on 18 June 2008 to appreciate the brilliant Pakistani students. Samad Khurram, a student of Roots School Systems islamabad campus was also invited there to receive award from US Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson. She was the Chief Guest who had to distributes the awards.

When Khurram Samad was called up from the stage to receive his award, he put all the audience in surprise by not receiving the award from US Ambassador. Instead of shaking hand with the chief guest, he moved to the dice and said,

“I will not receive this award as a protest against the cross border attack by Americans in Mohmand Agency, which resulted in the death of 20 Pakistani soldiers and still many more are missing”. He also added that US policy of suppotring President Musharraf is not in the interest of Pakistani nation.

Samad Khurram is not a political person but just a student. His mature thinking and effective way of expression has a lot to ponder for American ploicy makers. They should not cultivate hatred in hearts of Pakistani people.