A magnificent and befitting memorial should be built at APS for future generations to pay their homage
RAWALPINDI: Some of our politicians have suggested the award of the Nishan-e-Haider to the martyrs of the Peshawar school tragedy. They seemingly do not know that the Nishan-e-Haider is a purely military award and, unfortunately, cannot be awarded to civilians.
Having said that, it is true that no gallantry award in the world would measure up to the highly commendable heroic deeds of the young, brave people of the Army Public School, and the heroic fight they put up in the face of danger. The entire nation is proud of them and salutes the martyrs for their dauntless courage and bravery. They must all be duly honoured with the highest civil awards for gallantry in the wake of an onslaught from a barbaric enemy. This nation is not heartless that it would ignore the sacrifices of the brave teachers and students of the Peshawar tragedy.
In addition to this, to immortalise their heroism, a magnificent and befitting memorial should be built at the school for future generations to pay their homage, adulate their bravery and remember their martyrdom.
Colonel (retd) Riaz Jafri
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2015.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
