Condolences and messages of support for families of victims of Tuesday’s attack on Army Public School in Peshawar continued to pour in from all parts of the province on Thursday.
In Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan, hundreds of Rescue 1122 workers took out a rally, carrying candles, placards and posters inscribed with messages of solidarity.
Rescue workers in Multan were joined by students of Knowledge School. Emergency Officer Kaleemullah also participated in the walk.
Kaleemullah told newsmen that Rescue 1122 had been put on high alert in the wake of the killings in Peshawar.
He urged citizens to report suspicious activity to security personnel and Rescue 1122.
Security arrangements have also been stepped up at the Rescue 1122 offices.
A candle lit vigil was held at Multan Garrison and prayers for the 141 victims of the attack were offered.
Garrison Commander Major General Hasnaat Amir Gilani, military officers, their families and a large number of children attended the event, a statement issued by the ISPR Multan said.
In Lahore, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Women Wing held solidarity walks and lit at Charing Cross and at Liberty roundabout.
The walk was led by PTI’s central women wing leader Munazza Hasan and PTI Punjab woman wing president Saloni Bukhari.
Addressing the crowd, Bukhari said the attack on school children in Peshawar was a dastardly act.
“There is no logic and justification for such acts,” she said.
The walk was also attended by MNA Shaista Pervez Malik.
Malik teared up as she stood with women and children holding candles and posters. “This is one of the darkest times in our country’s history,” she said.
All Pakistan Women’s Association also held a candle-light vigil at Charing Cross.
In Sargodha, a condolence meeting was held at the University of Sargodha where students and teachers observed a one-minute silence and offered prayers for the deceased.
Talking to students on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Muhammad Akram Chaudhary condemned the act.
“Every parent in the country thought of their children as they watched scenes in Peshawar unfold,” he said. “Every teacher thought of their students. The children who died were our children. They were our students.”
Chaudhary said it was time to unite against tyranny and terror.
In Faisalabad, faculty members and students of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad staged a rally to condemn the massacre in Peshawar.
The rally, led by UAF Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan and singer Jawad Ahmad, started from Administration Block and concluded at Zero Point.
Speaking on the occasion, the UAF vice chancellor said the sacrifice of the children of Peshawar should not be forgotten.
“Pakistan is united for the first time in its condemnation of such brutality,” he said. “Condemnation is not enough. Serious action should be taken to curb terrorism in the country.”
He said the security establishment should take steps to pre-empt such attacks.
Ahmad said peace and progress were only possible if terrorism was rooted out.
“We need armed action against terrorists. It also requires a political fight against religious extremism of all stripes; not just Taliban but every person who celebrates and glorifies such violence,” he said. He urged people to unite against terrorism in all forms and defeat the menace.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2014.
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