On the 10th anniversary of the tragic Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, the grief of the families who lost their loved ones remains as vivid as the day the tragedy unfolded.
On December 16, 2014, the brutal attack claimed the lives of 147 individuals, including 132 children, leaving the nation shaken and exposing the ruthless agenda of terrorism. The parents of the martyrs continue to hold onto cherished memories, from schoolbooks to backpacks, as they remember their children who were taken too soon.
The APS tragedy is remembered as one of the darkest moments in Pakistan’s history—a day when terrorists targeted the nation’s future with unfathomable cruelty.
In their messages to mark the solemn occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to combat terrorism and honor the sacrifices of the APS martyrs.
‘An indelible mark on our collective memory’
President Asif Ali Zardari described the attack as an “inhumane and heinous crime” aimed at innocent children, emphasizing how it serves as a stark reminder of the chaos and destruction terrorists seek to cause. “December 16 has left an indelible mark on our collective memory,” he said, adding that the tragedy united Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
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“Our deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims, and we pledge to intensify our efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism from our soil,” Zardari stated. He called on the international community to collaborate in the fight against terrorism, stressing the need for a collective global response.
The president also paid tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers, law enforcement officers, and civilians in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
‘A heartbreaking loss for the nation’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called December 16, 2014, an “unforgettable tragedy” that continues to haunt the nation. “Cowardly terrorists entered APS and wreaked havoc, separating 144 innocent lives from us forever. Their dreams, hopes, and futures were stolen in an act of unimaginable brutality,” he said in his message.
Sharif acknowledged the pain felt by the families of the victims, emphasizing that the shock and sorrow caused by the tragedy cannot be lessened with time. “This was an attack on our children, our future, and our collective existence as a nation,” he stated.
The prime minister reiterated the nation’s commitment to standing united against anti-national elements, condemning those who distort religion and humanity for their own agenda. He also praised the bravery of the APS students, teachers, and families, along with the ongoing sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security forces in the fight against terrorism.
