Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): As the nation marks the 10th anniversary of the militant attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, President Asif Ali Zardari Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders paid rich tributes to the martyrs and expressed firm resolve to continue war against terrorism till complete elimination of this menace from Pakistan.
On December 16, 2014, six terrorists stormed the Army Public School Peshawar and martyred 147 innocent students and teachers of the school.
Special prayers and Quran Khwani are being held for the martyred students and teachers of Army Public School.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) education department has arranged special functions to commemorate the APS incident and martyred students.
President Asif Ali Zardari said the day of December 16, 2014 reminded the nation to get united against terrorism and increase their efforts to eliminate this menace.
In a message on the tenth anniversary of the Army Public School Peshawar attack, he said on 16th December, 2014 the terrorists attacked the future of our children and nation.
“On this day, the terrorists mercilessly killed our citizens including our children, adding the terrorists showed their animosity towards public by attacking teachers and children,”. Attack on the children was cruel and against humanity, he said.
The president said the tragedy of APS made it clear that agenda of the terrorists was to create chaos and anarchy in the country.
The day of December 16 left un-erasable imprints on the collective memory of the nation, he said.
“Our sympathies are with the heirs of the innocent children,” President Zardari said, adding that this day reminds of the sacrifices of the nation in the war against terrorism, he remarked.
He said the incidents like APS tragedy exposed the real face of terrorists and Khawarij and the Pakistani nation would not let the terrorists succeed in their nefarious designs.
“The APS tragedy united the nation against terrorism. The history witnesses that Pakistani nation did not lose courage in the face of tragedies,” the president said.
He said the political leadership of Pakistan also sacrificed in the war against terrorism, adding, “Today we pay tribute to the brave soldiers, security organizations and citizens for their sacrifices against terrorism. We will not let go in vain the sacrifices of our children, leaders and the citizens.”
President Zardari reiterated the determination to root out the remains of terrorism and extremism from Pakistan.
“The international community have to make collective efforts to eradicate terrorism,” the President concluded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated the nation’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism.
In his heartfelt message, the premier said that December 16, 2014, was a day of unimaginable sorrow when cowardly terrorists attacked APS Peshawar, martyring 147 innocent individuals, the majority of whom were young children.
“These ruthless, inhumane terrorists wreaked devastation and tore apart dreams, futures, and hopes.
A decade has passed, but the pain of losing those innocent lives remains fresh,” he said.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that the sacrifices of the children and teachers who lost their lives in this brutal attack will never be forgotten.
He paid tribute to their bravery, saluted their families for their resilience, and honored the efforts of Pakistan’s security forces in standing firm against the enemies of the nation.
“The entire nation stands united like a solid wall against cowardly terrorists and, Insha’Allah, will continue to do so. These miscreants, acting on the behest of foreign enemies, have no connection to religion or societal values and target innocent Pakistanis for their nefarious agendas,” the premier said.
PM Shehbaz urged the nation to renew its commitment to building a peaceful and secure Pakistan.
“No child should ever again face such cruelty, and no family should have to endure this loss. It is our duty to ensure that the sacrifices made on December 16, 2014, were not in vain,” he asserted.
“The APS tragedy remains one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history. We will never forget. We will never forgive,” PM Shehbaz said, vowing to continue the fight against terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a heartfelt message, commemorated the martyrs of the APS Peshawar attack.
“On December 16, the worst enemy unjustly martyred innocent children and teachers. This day has become a symbol of our resolve to continue fighting against terrorism,” Naqvi said.
He praised the courage and sacrifices of the students and teachers who lost their lives, stating, “The children and teachers laid the foundation of a peaceful Pakistan with their precious blood. The martyrs of APS remain alive in the hearts of the nation.”
The minister condemned the brutality of the attackers, calling it a “cowardly and cruel act,” while emphasizing that the resolve to combat terrorism has only strengthened since then.
Naqvi also highlighted how the sacrifices of the APS martyrs united the nation against the scourge of terrorism, saying, “Their sacrifices will forever remain alive in the hearts of every individual in Pakistan.
These martyred children and teachers are heroes of the entire nation.”
On this solemn occasion, he expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs, saluting their resilience and paying homage to their loss.
“We stand united with the families of the martyrs, honoring their sacrifices,” the interior minister said.
