10th anniversary: President, PM pay rich tribute to martyrs of APS tragedy

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PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The nation commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy today (Monday), remembering the victims of the devastating attack. Despite the passage of a decade, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to grapple with terrorism, and lasting peace remains elusive in many districts.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the APS tragedy.

Security measures have been tightened across Peshawar to prevent any untoward incidents during the anniversary observance of the December 16, 2014, terrorist attack. Ceremonies will be held at various schools and institutions to honor the victims, while Quran Khawani will take place in mosques for the martyrs and for the nation’s peace.

The APS attack, carried out by six terrorists, claimed the lives of 147 people, including 132 schoolchildren, leaving many others injured. The attackers stormed the school on Warsak Road, indiscriminately opening fire on students, teachers, and staff in classrooms, corridors, and the auditorium. The atrocity shocked the nation and drew global condemnation.

In response, the government introduced the 20-point National Action Plan to combat terrorism and restore peace. While the security situation improved until 2021, recent years have seen a resurgence in terrorist activities, with increasing attacks on police, security forces, and civilians in several districts.

To honor the victims, numerous schools in Peshawar and across the country have been named after the APS martyrs. Survivors like Ahmad Nawaz have become international advocates for peace and education, using their experiences to promote positive change.

Tufail Khattak, who lost his sons Sher Shah and Ahmad Shah in the attack, urged the younger generation to find inspiration in their sacrifices. Many parents of the victims have established scholarships and other initiatives to support underprivileged students, keeping the memory of their children alive.

President Zardari’s Tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that December 16 serves as a reminder for the nation to unite against terrorism. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating extremism and ensuring that such tragedies never happen again. Zardari noted that the attack exposed the terrorists' true agenda of spreading chaos and vowed that the nation would not let their sacrifices be in vain.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Message

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the nation’s unwavering determination to fight terrorism, declaring, “We will never forget. We will never forgive.” He described the APS tragedy as a day of immense grief and pledged to honor the memory of the 144 innocent lives lost. Shehbaz saluted the bravery of the victims and their families and commended the security forces for their resolve against terrorism.

He called for a renewed commitment to building a peaceful and secure Pakistan, ensuring that no child or family endures such suffering again. “We must ensure that the sacrifices made on December 16, 2014, were not in vain,” he stated.

Nationwide Observance

To show solidarity with the APS martyrs, the government announced the closure of all public and private schools and colleges on December 16. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon issued a notification declaring the holiday, reinforcing the nation’s collective remembrance and tribute to the victims.

The APS attack remains one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history, a somber reminder of the ongoing fight against terrorism and the resilience of a nation determined to achieve lasting peace.