Nation Commemorates 10th Anniversary of APS Peshawar Tragedy
Pakistan observed the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy in Peshawar, paying heartfelt tributes to the nearly 150 victims—mostly children—who lost their lives in the horrific terrorist attack on December 16, 2014.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the nation in honoring the martyrs and reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate terrorism.
In a solemn message, President Zardari described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the need for national unity against terrorism. He condemned the attackers for targeting the nation’s future by mercilessly killing children and teachers. “The APS tragedy exposed the terrorists’ agenda of sowing chaos and anarchy. This attack left an indelible mark on our collective memory,” he stated, urging international efforts to combat terrorism globally.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, describing December 16 as a day of “unimaginable sorrow.” He called the APS attack a heinous act that shattered dreams and futures. “A decade may have passed, but the pain of losing those innocent lives remains fresh. We will never forget, and we will never forgive,” he vowed, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to fight terrorism.
Nationwide Remembrance
Special prayers and Quran recitations were held across the country to honor the martyred students and teachers. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa education department organized various events to commemorate the tragedy and pay tribute to the victims.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur described the attack as an “unforgettable tragedy” that galvanized the nation and its institutions against a common enemy. He praised the resilience of the victims’ families and highlighted the measures taken to ensure long-term peace in the country.
The APS tragedy remains a profound symbol of Pakistan’s resolve to overcome terrorism and a painful chapter that continues to inspire efforts for a safer and more peaceful future.
