UPPER DIR: Former students of District Council Public High School, Upper Dir, gathered on the school grounds on the evening of July 26, 2026, to honour their teachers in an emotional reunion marked by prayers, tributes, poetry, shields and memories of student life.
The event brought together retired teachers and their former pupils, many of whom embraced their teachers, kissed their hands and recalled the lessons, discipline and encouragement that had shaped their lives. The ceremony was described by participants as a moment of gratitude towards the teachers who had served the institution and guided generations of students.
The programme was arranged by a core committee of the school’s alumni. Engineer Tariq Babar, president of the Alumni Association, led the arrangements and remained involved from the reception of guests to the conclusion of the ceremony. Professor Wajid Raza played a key advisory and creative role, including the design of certificates, shields of honour, commemorative gifts and invitation cards.
Sadiqullah, DSO, supervised gifts, hospitality and arrangements, while Sahibzada Mazharuddin, vice president, contributed through his poetry, speeches and organisational work. Mufti Nisar attended the event and gave it a spiritual dimension, while Nigar Hussain oversaw dinner and hospitality arrangements.
Shah Khalid Khan Hamdani, media in-charge, was recognised for his journalistic services. His shield was received by his children, Anabia, Haleema and Fahad. Other alumni, including Zakirullah Safi, Inayatullah, Rashid Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, Asad Iqbal and Arshad Khan, assisted in financial matters, material provision and other arrangements.
At the start of the ceremony, special prayers were offered for teachers who had passed away, including Ustad Buzurg Ahmed Sahib, Ustad Habibullah Sahib and Ustad Fazl Subhan Sahib. Their honorary shields were received by their sons. The gathering observed the moment with deep emotion.
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. They were welcomed with flower garlands, traditional Dir caps, bouquets and applause from their former students.
Speaking on the occasion, Sahibzada Fazlullah Sahib said: “Those children who used to play in my hands are now sitting before me as doctors, engineers, journalists, and professors.”
The gathering also featured literary and devotional segments. Sahibzada Mazharuddin presented poetry, Gul Ahmed Sahib recited a ghazal, Fazl Arman presented a poem, and Suhail Sahib recited a naat.
During the shield distribution, former students honoured their teachers with respect and affection. Teachers and students later sat together for dinner in the school grounds, recalling old memories and the bond that had connected them over the years.
At the conclusion of the event, the teachers departed with prayers, while the students escorted them to their vehicles. The ceremony ended on an emotional note, with participants describing it as an effort to repay, even in part, the lifelong debt of gratitude owed to their teachers.
