Pakistan observes 10th anniversary of brutal attack on APS Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Today, the nation is observing the 10th anniversary of the tragic terror incident at Army Public School (APS) Peshawar, a day that will forever be etched in the collective memory of Pakistan.

The haunting memories of the incident are still fresh in everyone’s minds as the families who lost their innocent children are still mourning.

On this somber occasion, special prayers and Quran Khwani are being held to pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives in the brutal attack.

Additionally, in memory of the APS incident, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa education department arranged special programs to pay tribute to the martyrs. These events are meant to uphold sacrifices made by the innocent students and teachers in a vicious act by the terrorists.

PM and President Message

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated their commitment to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan. In his message, the president maintained that December 16, forever etched in the collective memory of the nation, still haunts with the memory that the brave act of terrorism was visibly to kill innocent children.

President Zardari, extending his sympathies to the families of the victims, emphasized that this day shall indeed be a decisive note of the nation’s sacrifices in the battle against terrorism. He also stated that it is crucial to expose the true face of both terrorists and the Khawarij, asserted with great conviction that Pakistanis do not allow such a misfit plan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his offering of greetings on the 10th anniversary of the attack on APS, reiterated his commitment to creating a peaceful and secure Pakistan where no innocent person can face such barbarity, and every semblance of accountability can be invoked against the perpetrators of these crimes. He also matched the resolve of the nation against cowardly terrorists to a “steel wall”.

On December 16, 2014, six terrorists entered the APS Peshawar, and the ensuing wave of terror sent ripples across the very foundations of our nation. The attack ultimately claimed the lives of 147 innocent students and teachers, throwing open the gates to mourning, trauma, and devastation.

The APS attack was the darkest day in Pakistan’s history, a watershed moment in the hearts and minds of Pakistanis. The incident elicited an immediate widespread revulsion and condemnation, coupled with a liberal commitment to the fight against terrorism and, above all, for the safety and security of schools and educational institutions throughout the country.

On the 10th anniversary of the APS attack, the nation must constantly bear in mind the sacrifices of the martyrs and gear itself for safer and more secure learning environments for children.

The memories of the martyrs shall haunt and remind this nation to toil for better days and peaceful tomorrows.