On the 10th anniversary of the devastating Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, the grief of families who lost their loved ones remains as fresh as the day tragedy struck.
The horrific events of December 16, 2014, claimed the lives of 147 people, including 132 children, in an attack that shook the nation to its core and laid bare the brutal agenda of terrorism.
Parents of the martyrs continue to relive the heartbreak as they hold on to cherished memories, from schoolbooks to backpacks, as reminders of the children who were taken from them far too soon.
The APS tragedy is remembered as one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history, a day when terrorists targeted the future of the nation with unparalleled savagery.
In their messages commemorating the tragic day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to uproot terrorism and honour 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” that targeted innocent children, calling it a stark reminder of the chaos and destruction terrorists seek to inflict. “The day of December 16 has left an indelible mark on the collective memory of our nation,” he said, adding that the tragedy united Pakistan against terrorism.
“Our sympathies are with the families of the victims, and we pledge to intensify efforts to completely eliminate terrorism and extremism from our soil,” Zardari stated. He urged the international community to collaborate in eradicating terrorism, emphasizing the need for a collective global response to this menace.
The president also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers, law enforcement personnel, and civilians in the ongoing war against terrorism.
‘A heartbreaking loss for nation’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called December 16, 2014, an “unforgettable tragedy” that continues to haunt the nation. In his message, the premier said, “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.”
Sharif acknowledged the pain of the families who lost their loved ones, emphasizing that no amount of time can diminish the shock and sorrow caused by the tragedy. “This was an attack on our children, our future, and our collective existence as a nation,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated the nation’s determination to stand united against Fitna-ul-Khawarij and other anti-national elements, underscoring their disconnect from religion and humanity. He praised the bravery of the APS children, teachers, and families, as well as the ongoing sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces in combating terrorism.
