Commemorating a decade since the dismal Peshawar APS attack, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid glowing tribute to the martyrs as a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s resolve against the eradication of terrorism.
Six terrorists stormed APS on December 16, 2014, killing nearly 150 innocent students and teachers in one of the darkest chapters of the nation’s history. Describing the assault as a barbaric strike against the future of the country, President Zardari emphasized that it revealed the true face of terrorism. He expressed solidarity with the families of martyrs and paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistanis, security forces, and political leadership in fighting extremism.
Also read: PFA Opposes FIFA’s Decision to Award 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia
“The APS tragedy brought the entire nation together against terrorism,” he said, assuring that all remnants of extremism would be ever fought against while inviting the global community to join hands in the global war against terrorism. That was echoed by the Prime Minister: “It is this day of unimaginable sorrow,” he said. He saluted the bravery of the children and teachers who lost their lives and vowed that their sacrifices would not go in vain.
“These cowardly terrorists shattered dreams and futures, but the resilience of the nation remains unbroken,” PM Shehbaz said. He urged the nation to renew its commitment to building a peaceful and secure Pakistan where no child suffers such cruelty again.
Special prayers and arrangements were organized across the nation to pay homage to martyrs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said the incident was a sundering moment that brought the government institutions together against terrorism. The APS incident will always remain with somber remembrance as the cost of fighting for peace and security as leaders promised not to forget and not forgive.