April 2017 was a day of unimaginable tragedy for the family of Mashal Khan Iqbal. Their young son, Mashal Khan, was brutally lynched by a mob at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan.

A bright journalism student, Mashal dreamed of becoming a journalist or a civil servant who would bring positive change to society and stand for truth. However, his journey was cut short by an act of mob violence.

Yet time has proven that dreams never truly die. The dream that was left unfinished at a university in Mardan has, nine years later, come to life thousands of miles away in Canada.

This is a story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. At its heart is Mashal Khan's younger sister, Saba Iqbal Mashal, who has earned a degree in Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University, fulfilling the dream her brother was never able to realize.

Saba was not alone in this journey. Her elder sister, Satoria Iqbal, also persevered despite immense hardships. In May 2023, she graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University at Buffalo, New York, laying the foundation for a new chapter of success for the family.

The achievements of both sisters demonstrate that when girls are given opportunities, encouragement, and access to quality education, they can overcome even the greatest challenges while bringing pride to their families and society.

A Difficult Journey from Mardan to Canada:

Following Mashal Khan's killing, the family was overwhelmed by grief. Along with the unbearable pain of losing their son, they lived under constant fear due to threats and intimidation.

The situation became so severe that the family's daughters were forced to remain at home for more than a year, interrupting their education. Attending school or college was no longer possible, and life seemed to come to a standstill.

Despite these dark times, Mashal's father, Muhammad Iqbal Mashal, encouraged his children to remain hopeful. He taught them that hatred should never be answered with hatred, but with knowledge, wisdom, and tolerance.

A Pashto poet and advocate of education, Muhammad Iqbal Mashal said that the family endured unimaginable trauma after Mashal's murder.

«"We witnessed days that cannot be described in words. But I told my children that we would not seek revenge. Instead, we would transform our grief into strength and confront the darkness of hatred through the light of education."»

He said his daughters have now proved that knowledge and awareness ultimately triumph over ignorance and prejudice.

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“Knowledge Teaches Humility”

According to Muhammad Iqbal Mashal, the more knowledge a person acquires, the more humility, tolerance, and compassion they develop.

«"That was the message Mashal wanted to spread. Today, by earning her journalism degree in Canada, Saba has kept his dream and his message alive."»

“This Degree Is Dedicated to My Brother”

During her graduation ceremony, Saba dedicated her degree to her late brother, saying that April 2017 changed her life forever.

In a social media post, she wrote:

«"I lost my brother, my best friend, my guide, and my greatest source of inspiration."»

She described Mashal as an intelligent, courageous, and thoughtful student who believed in education, humanity, and peace. She said false allegations were levelled against him before he was killed in a place that should have represented learning and knowledge.

Saba recalled that before the tragedy, her family had enjoyed a happy life. Her father worked tirelessly to provide his children with a quality education and a brighter future, while her mother saw her own unfulfilled dreams come true through her daughters' achievements.

From Fear and Threats to Success

Saba said that after Mashal's murder, she and her sister were forced to suspend their education because of threats and fear.

«"For more than a year, we remained confined to our home. But our father taught us how to stand up again and turn our pain into strength."»

She later received a full scholarship to Toronto Metropolitan University, an opportunity that transformed her life and enabled her to pursue journalism.

During her four-year academic journey, Saba was unable to see her parents and often faced loneliness and hardship. But every challenge reminded her of Mashal's dream and the promise she had made to her family.

«"When I walked across the stage to receive my degree, I couldn't stop thinking that if Mashal were alive today, he would have been so proud of me."»

She said her degree represents far more than an academic qualification—it symbolizes her family's sacrifices, her parents' unwavering support, and Mashal Khan's enduring message of education and peace.

Concluding her tribute, Saba dedicated her achievement to her brother:

«"I dedicate this degree to Mashal Khan, the martyr of knowledge. His dream never ended. He lives on through education, awareness, and every voice that believes in the power of learning."»