Son of Malik Tahir Awan and Saliha Tahir

Siblings: Malik Hassan Tahir Awan (15), Affifa Malik (14), Malik Uzain (9)

Usama was an extremely polite and loving boy who was adored by his family and friends alike.

The 16-year-old aspired to join the Pakistan Army but always spoke of peace and education.

According to his father, Usama was of the belief that militancy could only be eradicated through education.

He was an avid reader and took a particular interest in books about wars.

He won several medals while featuring on the school’s table tennis team and was an equally capable cricketer.

According to his mother, Usama had one weakness: chicken karhai. Mrs Awan would make sure her son was never disappointed at the dinner table.

144STORIES: Visit the Army Public School Memorial