Peshawar: British boxer Amir Khan on Monday visited the Pakistani school where Taliban gunmen slaughtered 150 people including 134 children to pay his respects to the victims.

The WBC welterweight world champion, who has Pakistani roots, has pledged to help rebuild the Army Public School here, the scene of Pakistan’s deadliest ever terror attack.

He offered prayers at a memorial to the dead at the school gates and said he wanted to visit the city despite security concerns to show solidarity.

“The main reason I’ve come to Pakistan was to come to Peshawar and see the parents and the children and give the children the confidence to go back to school,” he told reporters.

“My heart goes out to the families and the parents whose children died. What took place is absolutely horrific and sickening. After recently becoming a father myself, I can’t imagine how the families of these innocent children are feeling,” he added.

The attack this month shocked the world and prompted Pakistan’s political and military leaders to vow decisive action to stamp out militancy.

Amir, 28, said the country must pull together to prevail. “We have to stop terrorism and with the help of the army and the people of Pakistan we can stop it,” he said.

Amir announced that he will set up a boxing academy in Lahore.

On a visit to the Data Darbar, where he laid a floral wreath on the grave of Sufi saint Abul Hassan Ali Hajvery, Amir urged the government to eliminate terrorism by promoting education and sport among Pakistani youths.

“There is so much boxing talent in Pakistan,” he told reporters.

“I have a desire to build a boxing academy here to discover this talent and impart training of international standards.”

Amir, who finished second in the lightweight category in the boxing competition at the 2004 Athens Olympics, said he had come to Pakistan to show the world that the country is not a dangerous place but a peaceful land.

“Pakistan is a safe and peaceful country… We all should be good Muslims,” he said.

On Sunday, Amir met Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif and discussed ways to promote sport in the province. He appreciated Shahbaz’s efforts for promotion of sport, expressing his willingness to play a role in this.

“Amir Khan has earned a lot of fame and respect. Promoting sport in the country is key to fighting terrorism that has engulfed Pakistan,” Shahbaz said.

Shahbaz also assured Amir that every drop of blood shed during the attack on the Army Public School would be avenged.

Last week the boxer announced he would support Pakistani children in the health and education sectors through his foundation. He also plans to auction a $45,000 pair of shorts to raise money to help rebuild the school.

Amir wore the flamboyant shorts, which included a waistband made from 24-carat gold threading, during his successful WBC title defence against Devon Alexander in Las Vegas this month. (agencies)