Islamabad : Pakistan is observing today (Tuesday) the 11th anniversary of the Army Public School tragedy in Peshawar, remembering one of the most painful moments in the nation’s history.
On December 16, 2014, armed militants carried out a deadly attack on the school, shattering the sense of safety for both students and staff. The brutal attack claimed 144 lives, including 132 schoolchildren. Teachers and students were taken captive by the attackers. The proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) later claimed responsibility for the attack.
In their separate statements, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate terrorism.
President Zardari’s Statement:
President Zardari said that Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorism was absolute. He emphasized that there could be no tolerance for terrorists or those who supported, financed, sheltered, or justified them. He added, “There can be no negotiations with those who raise arms against the state or target our children.”
The president said that the memory of the APS martyrs strengthened their resolve, affirming that Pakistan would never allow the enemies of peace to succeed. He added, “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.”
The president also condemned Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. He reiterated that the evidence of India’s involvement in efforts to destabilize Pakistan is well documented, and Pakistan would continue to expose these hostile activities and defend its people.
He paid tribute to the security forces, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services for their efforts in preventing many such tragedies, adding, “We will continue to pursue every terrorist and every facilitator until justice is done.”
President Zardari also issued a stern warning to those who support or facilitate terrorists: “The people and 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.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Tribute:
On the same day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the martyrs of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy and reiterated his government’s stance against terrorism. He reaffirmed his government’s uncompromising zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, promising to continue anti-terrorism operations until the threat was completely eliminated.
In his message on the anniversary of the APS attack, Prime Minister Sharif said, “The great sacrifices rendered for Pakistan’s bright future will never go in vain as the state, security institutions, and the people stand united and determined to eliminate terrorism and extremism.”
He further emphasized, “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.”
Prime Minister Sharif stated that the sacrifices of the innocent children, teachers, and staff of APS would always remain etched in the national conscience. He reiterated that only the elimination of terrorism from the country would constitute meaningful justice for the tragedy.
The prime minister expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs, saluting their patience and resilience. He concluded by reminding the nation that Pakistan’s struggle against terrorism is not over yet. “Today, as Pakistan once again faces the menace of terrorism, the APS tragedy reminds us that our fight against terrorism is ongoing,” he said. The prime minister also prayed for the highest rank in paradise for all martyrs of the anti-terror war and patience for their families.
