RAWALPINDI:
Special commemorative events were held at public and private schools in Rawalpindi on Tuesday in memory of the Peshawar Army Public School (APS) tragedy.
Early in the morning, school assemblies observed a minute’s silence in honor of the 147 children who lost their lives in the horrific attack. The teachers highlighted the incident and provided detailed information to the students about the atrocity.
Parents were anxiously waiting for their children at home, not knowing that their little ones had been martyred. The APS tragedy created a somber atmosphere in schools. Students paid tribute by lighting candles and presenting paintings reflecting the events of that fateful day. The emotional displays brought many parents to tears. Major schools also held Guards of Honor in memory of the child martyrs.
Parents, teachers and students collectively demanded that the true perpetrators of the APS attack be brought to justice and appropriately punished. The tragedy remains etched in the hearts of both students and parents.
Under the auspices of the Department of Education, the largest APS commemorative event was held at Government Muslim Higher Secondary School No 1, Rawalpindi. The ceremony was aimed at paying tribute to the innocent children and teachers who lost their lives and offering prayers for their spiritual upliftment.
Special guest of honor Ziaullah Shah, Member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, along with education officials, teachers, students and local dignitaries, participated in the event.
Tariq Mehmood, CEO of Rawalpindi District Education Authority, said in his speech that the entire nation has made great sacrifices against terrorism. He added that the sacrifices of the APS martyrs will never be forgotten. His martyrdom united the nation and strengthened its resolve to remain united against enemies. He praised the sacrifices of Pakistan’s Armed Forces and security agencies and noted that their efforts have established an environment of peace and stability in the country.
The special guest also paid tribute to the APS martyrs, calling the tragedy a deep wound in the heart of the nation, while emphasizing that the sacrifices of these children have built a strong wall of resilience against terrorism.
The event concluded with collective prayers for the APS martyrs, seeking elevation of their ranks, patience and solace for their families, and peace and prosperity for Pakistan.
Policies are urged to be implemented
Participants speaking at a panel discussion on the evolution of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism response and challenges of cross-border terrorism, organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in the context of the 11th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) terrorist attack, discussed the need for effective implementation of national security policies and development of a sustained narrative against terrorist violence.
The heinous attack claimed the lives of 147 innocent students and teachers on December 16, 2014, and remains the bloodiest and most painful in the country’s history, when six terrorists dressed in military uniforms entered the school premises and fired indiscriminately at students, teachers and staff.
At least 147 people, including 122 students, embraced martyrdom, while school principal Tahira Qazi and teacher Sofia Hijab were also martyred in the attack. President Asif Ali Zardari, in a statement issued on the 11th anniversary of the tragedy, said Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorism was absolute and reiterated that there could be no soft corner for terrorists or those who supported, financed, protected or justified them.
“There can be no negotiations with those who take up arms against the state or attack our children,” said the president of Pakistan, remembering the martyrs on the 11th anniversary of the incident. He said the memory of APS martyrs strengthened his resolve.
