As Pakistan observes the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, the nation renews its resolve to eliminate terrorism. Leaders across the country reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s safety and peace. In connection with the anniversary, schools in Punjab and Islamabad remain closed. Punjab authorities cited “the prevailing security situation” as the reason for this precaution.
Remembering the APS Tragedy
On December 16, 2014, heavily armed militants launched the deadliest attack in Pakistan’s history. They stormed the APS building, killing 147 people, including 132 innocent children.
This devastating incident spurred the government to take decisive action. In January 2015, the National Action Plan (NAP) was introduced. The plan included several measures, such as establishing military courts to prosecute terrorists. Later, in 2021, the PTI-led government decided to review and update NAP.
Judicial Commission Findings
A judicial commission presented a report to the Supreme Court in 2020, highlighting the delayed response to the attack. The report acknowledged that further damage was prevented by the Quick Response Force (QRF) and Mobile Vigilance Team-2 (MVT).
The commission recommended several actions, including providing free education to the injured students’ siblings and offering medical and psychological care to victims and their families.
National Leaders Pay Tribute
President Asif Ali Zardari led the tributes to the martyrs. He called the APS attack a barbaric assault on humanity and education. Zardari emphasized the need for unity against terrorism and pledged that the nation would not allow extremists to succeed in their agenda of chaos.
He offered condolences to the grieving families and praised the sacrifices made by citizens, soldiers, and security forces in the fight against terrorism. He also called for international collaboration to eradicate terrorism globally.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a heartfelt message, he described the APS attack as an unforgettable wound for the nation. Sharif highlighted the bravery of the students and teachers who faced unimaginable horror that day.
“Our tears are still flowing, and our hearts remain heavy,” Sharif said. He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to building a safer Pakistan. “We owe it to our martyrs to eliminate terrorism and ensure no child lives in fear again,” he added.
The prime minister also reminded the nation that terrorists are enemies of humanity and have no connection with religion or social values.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) described the APS attack as an event that united Pakistan against a common enemy. “The pain of the APS martyrs still lingers in our hearts,” he said. Gandapur noted that the tragedy strengthened Pakistan’s fight for lasting peace.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the incident was an assault not just on a school but on humanity itself. She admired the resilience of the victims’ families and vowed to fulfill the dreams of the martyrs by defeating terrorism.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called the APS attack one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history. He urged the government to fully implement the National Action Plan and address the root causes of extremism, such as lack of education and economic opportunities.
In his statement, Bilawal said: “Let us renew our pledge to fight for a Pakistan free from terrorism. We owe it to the martyrs to ensure no child faces such horror again.”
Commemorative Events and Prayers
Special prayers and Quran recitations were held nationwide to honor the APS martyrs. The KP education department organized events to remember the victims and their bravery.
As the nation reflects on the APS tragedy, the commitment to fight terrorism and protect the future of Pakistan remains firm. Leaders and citizens alike continue to pay homage to the innocent lives lost and strive for a safer, peaceful Pakistan.
