Film based on Aitzaz Hasan slated for mid-2015 release

The event not only marked the launch ceremony of the film, but prayers were also held for Hasan -- as it was his first death anniversary as well. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Veteran director Shehzad Rafique is said to launch his latest directorial venture, Salute, in mid-2015, which will be based on Aitzaz Hasan – the brave teenager from Hangu who embraced a suicide bomber on January 6, 2014, saving the lives of 300 of his schoolmates.

Salute’s filming will commence in March.

The director held a launch ceremony for his upcoming film at the Alhamra Arts Complex in Lahore, which was attended by Executive Director Alhamra Captain Atta Mohammad Khan, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Syed Noor and many others.

The event not only marked the launch ceremony of the film, but prayers were also held for Hasan on the day, which also marked his first death anniversary. In fact, the director even narrated the incident of how Hasan sacrificed his life for others, while Captain Muhammad Atta narrated a poem for the departed soul.

Speaking on the occasion, Rafique said, “The bravery of Aitzaz Hasan proves that it is not only the duty of the government and the army to protects its homeland, citizens also have a duty.”

Shehzad Rafique, director of the film upcoming film Salute. PHOTO: PUBLICITY 

“Aitzaz Hasan is our national hero, whom we should acknowledge at a national level. I intend to show this film in every school of Pakistan to spread its message of belief, courage and sacrifice,” the director said.

Syed Noor, the director of Choorian (1998) and Majajan (2006) – who is considered one of the best directors in the country, expressed his great wishes for the project, and was hopeful that it would represent Pakistan at an international level.