President, PM pay tribute to APS martyrs

Express resolve to counter terrorism at the 10th anniversary of December 16, 2014 attack

ISLAMABAD:

At the tenth anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, President Asif Ali Zardari has said December 16, 2014 reminds the nation that it must get united against terrorism and increase its efforts to eliminate this menace.

"On 16 December, 2014, terrorists attacked the future of our children and nation. They showed their animosity towards the public by attacking teachers and children. Attack on the children was cruel and against humanity," he said.

Six armed gunmen belonging to outlawed TTP on December 16, 2024 entered the APS in Peshawar and massacred 149 people, mostly children. The president said the tragedy made it clear that the agenda of the terrorists is to create chaos and anarchy in the country.

"The day of December 16 left un-erasable imprints on the collective memory of the nation. This day reminded us of the sacrifices of the nation in the war against terrorism," he remarked.

He said the incidents like the APS tragedy exposed the real face of terrorists and Khawarij and the Pakistani nation would not let the terrorists succeed in their nefarious designs.

In a separate message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the nation's unwavering resolve to combat terrorism. He said December 16, 2014, was a day of unimaginable sorrow when cowardly terrorists attacked APS Peshawar, martyring innocent individuals.

"These ruthless, inhumane terrorists wreaked devastation and tore apart dreams, futures, and hopes. A decade has passed, but the pain of losing those innocent lives remains fresh," he said.

PM said the sacrifices of the people who lost their lives in this brutal attack will never be forgotten. He paid tribute to their bravery, saluted their families for their resilience, and honored the efforts of Pakistan's security forces in standing firm against the enemies of the nation.