Memories of APS victims strengthen my patriotism: Gen Bajwa

Army chief speaks at memorial held to mark two-year anniversary of deadly massacre

Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said he views pictures of Army Public School massacre victims to keep his patriotism alive.

"The blood of APS victims is an obligation on the nation and the armed forces," the army chief said while addressing a memorial held to mark the two-year anniversary of the deadly school massacre.

A memorial was held at the military-run school two years after terrorists perpetrated the most sickening violence in the history of Pakistan, methodically killing 144 people, mostly pupils.

PHOTO: ISPR

“We will remember the sacrifices of the APS children and all institutions stand with the bereaved families in their tragedy” the COAS said. “We will continue the struggle and do whatever possible to live up to their expectations.”

Army chief also said the nation and military institutions were standing firm with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the fight against terror.

Gen Bajwa said armed forces guarantee security of the nation. He also said the armed forces are striving to bring the war against terrorism to a conclusion to provide the country with a peaceful future. “We will not rest until terrorism is completely uprooted,” the Army chief remarked.

#COAS attended 2nd anniversary of APS Martyrs at Psr.Laid floral wreath,offered Fateha at monument,joined Quran Khawani,spoke to families-1 pic.twitter.com/0vtGaNn0Sa

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) December 16, 2016

‘Pakistan fighting its survival war’

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan was fighting a war of its survival, saying numerous sacrificed had helped break the backbone of terrorism. The premier further said that the government was determined to bring strength and stability to the country.

Further, in a statement, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said that the force will not rest until uprooting terrorism completely. Praising the martyrs of APS, the Air chief said the nation will not forget their sacrifices.

Earlier, the current principal of the military-run school said, "The time of the attack was extremely difficult for the whole country. It felt as though we would never be able to come out of this pain. But we came out of that time better and stood strong in front of the enemy."



Paying tribute to the 144 victims, mostly school children, she said, "We have not forgotten our children, our brave Principal, Tahira Kazi and the young soldiers whose martyrdom strengthened the country.”

Army chief Gen Qamar Jawed Bajwa laid a wreath and offered prayers at the memorial.

The gruesome massacre had served as a binding force for Pakistanis in the fight against terrorism. The political and military leadership had given a clarion call against terrorists, launching a comprehensive national strategy to defeat the menace.

Though the attack’s mastermind and his facilitators have been eliminated, the grieving parents continue to call for a judicial inquiry to unmask those responsible for the deadly assault and high number of casualties.