14-year-old Who Died Tackling Suicide Bomber to be Honoured

Pakistan's prime minister announced Friday the teenage boy who sacrificed his life to stop a suicide bomber who wanted to attack his school should be honoured with the nation's highest civil award of bravery.

Aitazaz Hassan Bangash, 14, died Monday on his way to school Monday in the Hangu district of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when the bomber, dressed in a school uniform, asked him where the school was the ninth-grader's cousin, Musadiq Ali Bangash said.

According to CNN, Musadiq and Aitazaz became suspicious. "The other students backed off, but Aitazaz challenged the bomber and tried to catch him. During the scuffle, the bomber panicked and detonated his bomb," the cousin said.

Witnesses say the blast killed Aitazaz and the bomber at the scene, injuring two other people.

The announcement follows a campaign on social media for the teenager to be recognized.

Meanwhile CBC News reports that on Friday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif praised the boy in a statement, saying his "brave act saved the lives of hundreds of students and established a sterling example of gallantry and patriotism." Sharif advised President Mamnoon Hussain to approve the conferment of Pakistan's Star of Bravery to Hasan, the statement said.

The award is given by the president on the advice of the prime minister.