President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pay tribute to martyrs of APS Peshawar

Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their firm resolve to continue war against the menace of terrorism until its complete elimination. 
In their separate messages in connection with the anniversary of Army Public School Peshawar attack, they paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs of the APS massacre.

President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, emphasizing that “there could be no soft corner for terrorists or those who supported, financed, sheltered or justified them.” He made it clear that “there can be no negotiations with those who raise arms against the state or target our children.”

Reflecting on the tragic events of 16 December 2014, the president said the memory of the APS martyrs served as a source of national resolve, noting that Pakistan would never allow those who threaten peace to succeed.

“We stand with the families who continue to bear this pain with courage. The nation will always honour the resilience of the APS families who transformed their grief into strength for Pakistan,” he added, paying tribute to the courage of those who endured such loss.

President Zardari also strongly condemned Indian-backed terrorism, stating, “The evidence of its involvement in efforts to destabilise our country is well documented. Pakistan will continue to expose these hostile activities and will defend its people with full resolve,” according to a press release from the President Secretariat Press Wing.

He lauded the security forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement for their tireless efforts in preventing further tragedies and vowed that justice would be pursued against every terrorist and their facilitators.

“Let me take this opportunity to warn the apologists, facilitators and supporters of terrorists that the people and the armed forces of Pakistan shall not spare them and will defeat them, no matter what political, ideological or fake religious garb they try to shroud themselves in,” he asserted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid homage to the APS martyrs, reiterating his government’s steadfast stance against terrorism.

“Today, we pay tribute to the martyrs of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, who sacrificed their precious lives for the future of our beloved homeland. This heart-wrenching incident was a great ordeal for the entire nation, which deeply saddened us but failed to break our resolve,” he said, emphasizing the enduring significance of their sacrifice.

The prime minister highlighted that the losses suffered by the innocent children, teachers, and staff of APS would remain etched in the nation’s conscience and that only the complete eradication of terrorism could serve as meaningful justice for the tragedy.

He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, noting their courage and perseverance.

“Today, as Pakistan once again faces the menace of terrorism, with security personnel and innocent civilians being targeted in various parts of the country, the APS tragedy reminds us that our struggle against terrorism is not yet over,” he said, praying for the highest place in paradise for the martyrs and strength for their families.