Nation Pays Tribute to APS Martyrs on 10th Anniversary of Tragic Attack

Peshawar:On December 16, 2014, the nation was shaken to its core as six ruthless terrorists stormed the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, targeting innocent students and teachers in a brutal act of terrorism. Ten years later, the memory of this tragic attack remains fresh in the hearts of Pakistanis, with 147 lives lost, including 122 young students, and dozens more injured.

The terrorists, dressed in security force uniforms, entered the school and indiscriminately opened fire on students eager to quench their thirst for knowledge. Within moments, the halls once filled with the scent of books and laughter were tainted with blood and the stench of gunpowder. The security forces swiftly surrounded the school, and after a prolonged operation, the six attackers from the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed. Among the casualties were nine security personnel, including two officers.

Following the attack, the National Action Plan (NAP) was formulated to combat terrorism, resulting in significant progress in eliminating terrorists, especially from tribal areas. This tragedy not only united the nation in the fight against terrorism but also ensured that the malicious intentions of those who sought to spread terror were thwarted.

### **National Leaders Remember APS Martyrs**

**President Zardari Pays Tribute to APS Victims**
In a special message on the 10th anniversary of the APS tragedy, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of APS. He stated that such attacks exposed the true face of terrorists and extremists. The president acknowledged that the APS attack united the nation in its resolve against terrorism, and paid tribute to the sacrifices of law enforcement agencies and ordinary citizens.

**Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Condolences**
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his grief over the loss of 144 innocent lives in the APS attack, stating that the pain of losing those children would never be erased. He condemned the terrorist elements behind such attacks, which are often backed by foreign enemies, and praised the courage of Pakistan’s security forces in their battle against these forces of terror.

**Bilawal Bhutto Pays Homage to APS Martyrs**
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also remembered the victims of the APS attack, saying that the nation would remain steadfast in its fight against terrorism and would ensure a safe future for the coming generations. He acknowledged that the APS tragedy shook the collective conscience of the nation and united Pakistanis against the menace of terrorism. He called for effective implementation of the National Action Plan and emphasized addressing the root causes of extremism through education, economic opportunities, and social harmony.

### **Educational Institutions Closed in Remembrance**
In commemoration of the APS martyrs, educational institutions in several cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujrat, and Sialkot, will remain closed today. The Ministry of Education issued a notification declaring a holiday in remembrance of the victims of the APS attack and the tragic fall of Dhaka.

The 10th anniversary of the Army Public School attack serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifice made by the victims and their families, and the collective responsibility of the nation to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. As Pakistan continues to heal from this painful memory, the lessons of unity, resilience, and determination in the face of terror remain as strong as ever.