In the works: Compilation of writings about APS attack to be published

The 16/12 Action Forum is also urging the authorities to construct memorial for fallen victims.

PESHAWAR: The 16/12 Action Forum, a collection of civil society organisations, political parties and writers, is all set to publish a compilation of writings on the brutal terrorist attack on Army Public School last month.

The forum is also calling upon the authorities to construct a monument in memory of the 150 people, including more than 130 schoolchildren, who died that ill-fated day.

The forum’s coordinator, Dr Said Alam Mehsud told The Express Tribune that a collection of prose and poetry written in Pashto, English, Urdu and Punjabi about the attack is in the works and will be published in the form of a book to remember the slain children.



According to Mehsud, they have also proposed that a memorial be constructed at Amn Chowk near Gora Qabristan.

“The idea is to build a memorial along the lines of the 9/11 memorial in the US, to reflect the magnitude of the tragedy,” said Dr Adil Zareef, a member of the forum.

“It will bear the name of every child killed in the attack.”

Zareef added the forum will raise funds for the project. “At the moment, we are not certain about the design and funding, but we want it to be built at Amn Chowk,” he said, adding they had discussed the matter with Cantonment Board Peshawar which has agreed to the proposal.

Speaking about the chehlum for the slain victims, Zareef said they were in contact with the bereaved parents and families regarding the matter.

“We want to observe the chehlum solemnly and we will hold candlelit vigils and special prayers,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2015.