ISLAMABAD – Pakistan solemnly remembered the APS martyrs on the 11th anniversary of the tragic Army Public School attack in Peshawar. The attack occurred on 16 December 2014, when militants stormed the school, killing 144 people, including 132 children.
The attackers held students and teachers hostage before carrying out the deadly assault. The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. In response, the government introduced the National Action Plan to strengthen counter-terrorism measures and established military courts to expedite justice. The operations gave a new direction to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism policy.
On this solemn occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his strong condemnation of terrorism. He stated, “No dialogue is possible with those who take up arms against the state.” The president also highlighted the need to continue exposing anti-Pakistan elements and paid tribute to the nation’s security forces and law enforcement agencies. “Every terrorist and facilitator will be pursued and never allowed to succeed,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a message paying tribute to the APS martyrs. He called the attack a severe trial for the nation, noting that while it brought immense grief, it did not weaken Pakistan’s resolve. The prime minister emphasized that the sacrifices of innocent children, teachers, and staff will always be remembered. He said that completely eradicating terrorism from Pakistan is the true justice for the tragedy.
PM Shehbaz stressed that the nation remains united in the fight against terrorism. “Operations will continue, and peace will not return until the last terrorist is eliminated,” he said. The premier affirmed that the sacrifices of the APS martyrs will never be in vain and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for Pakistan’s safety.
Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan also paid tribute, calling the young APS martyrs heroes of the nation. He said, “The indiscriminate firing on students seeking knowledge was the height of brutality.” He added that the APS tragedy remains a bitter memory but will always be recorded in golden letters as a story of courage and sacrifice.
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Today, the nation stands united in honoring the bravery of the APS martyrs and renewing its commitment to eliminating terrorism from Pakistan. Their sacrifices continue to inspire generations to uphold peace, justice, and national integrity.
