10 years on: APS martyrs remembered

ISLAMABAD: The nation is observing the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy today as a black day, paying homage to the martyrs of the devastating attack in Peshawar.

On December 16, 2014, at least 149 individuals, including 132 schoolchildren, lost their lives when terrorists from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacked the school in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The militants breached the compound by scaling a wall and unleashed violence on students and teachers.

The nation is observing APS tragedy as a black day.

PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGES

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, describing the tragedy as an unforgettable chapter in the nation’s history.

“Today marks ten years since the APS attack, yet our hearts remain heavy with grief. We shed tears of blood for the innocent lives lost,” he said. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of standing united against terrorism and vowed to remain steadfast against those who target Pakistan.

Sharif condemned the terrorists, labeling them enemies of humanity who exploited religion to justify their heinous acts. “These attackers have no link to religion or societal values and are tools of anti-state elements,” he stated.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, called for unity in the fight against terrorism, reiterating the commitment to uproot extremism.

“The APS tragedy exposed the true agenda of terrorists—to sow chaos and anarchy,” said Zardari. He described the attack as an unforgivable act of brutality against children and teachers, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan.

The President also urged the international community to collaborate in eradicating terrorism globally.

SCHOOLS CLOSED IN SOME CITIES

Authorities have declared a public holiday in all state and private schools and colleges across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore to honor the martyrs.

In Sindh, private schools and colleges will remain open, as announced by the All Sindh Private Schools and Colleges Association. Special memorial events are being organized in educational institutions to remember the victims.

Meanwhile, Quran Khawani and prayers are being held across the country for the martyred students and teachers, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa education department has arranged special commemorative events to mark the occasion.

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