Pakistan mourns 10th anniversary of APS Peshawar tragedy amid security concerns
Pakistan marked the somber 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) attack on December 16, 2024, a day that remains etched in the nation’s memory as one of its darkest. The attack, carried out on December 16, 2014, by six terrorists from the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), resulted in the deaths of 147 individuals, including 132 schoolchildren and 15 staff members, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in Pakistan’s history.
The APS attack left a lasting impact on Pakistan, devastating families and galvanizing the country’s resolve to combat terrorism. In the wake of the tragedy, the government declared an all-out war against terrorist outfits and established the National Action Plan (NAP) to counter extremism and terrorism. The plan led to the formation of military courts, which facilitated the conviction of 310 terrorists, with 56 executed to date.
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The mastermind of the attack, Umar Mansour (also known as Umar Naray), was later killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan. The six attackers involved in the massacre were executed following their capture and sentencing.
Despite these efforts, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain vulnerable to militant activity, reflecting the ongoing challenges in ensuring lasting security.
The terrorists launched their attack mid-morning on December 16, 2014, scaling the school’s walls and detonating a vehicle bomb to distract the guards. Armed with automatic rifles and grenades, they stormed the main assembly hall, where students were attending a first-aid training session, and began shooting indiscriminately. The attackers then moved to classrooms, targeting teachers and older students in a calculated massacre.
At the time, the school was filled with over 1,000 students, many of them children of military personnel. The attack shook the nation to its core, uniting people in their demand for decisive action against terrorism.
On the 10th anniversary, families, students, and citizens across the country came together to honor the martyrs. Memorial gatherings and prayer sessions were held in educational institutions, especially in Peshawar, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. Parents of the victims gathered to share their grief and remember their loved ones.
In light of security concerns, the Punjab School Education Department announced the closure of all public and private schools across Punjab and Islamabad on December 16. Similar directives were issued in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, with district magistrates confirming the closure of schools and the postponement of exams scheduled for the day.
Authorities in Rawalpindi cited the need to commemorate the APS tragedy as the reason for the closures, while elsewhere, enhanced security concerns were the primary motivation.
President Zardari’s Message: A Call for Unity Against Terrorism
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, emphasized that December 16 is a solemn day that reminds the nation to unite against terrorism and renew its commitment to eliminating this menace. Reflecting on the attack, he stated, “The terrorists targeted our children, the future of our nation, showing their animosity toward humanity.”
He highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy, saying, “The APS attack left unerasable imprints on our collective memory and exposed the real face of terrorists. The Pakistani nation will not let their sacrifices go in vain.”
President Zardari paid tribute to the brave children, teachers, and security forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. He acknowledged the resilience of the families and reiterated the nation’s resolve to root out terrorism and extremism. “The international community must join hands to eradicate terrorism,” he concluded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: A Decade of Pain and Resolve
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also marked the anniversary with a heartfelt message, describing December 16, 2014, as a day of unimaginable sorrow. He remembered the ruthless attack that claimed 144 innocent lives, mostly young children, saying, “A decade has passed, but the pain of losing those innocent lives remains fresh.”
PM Shehbaz lauded the bravery of the children and teachers who stood against terror and honored the resilience of their families. He reaffirmed the nation’s solidarity, stating, “The entire nation stands united like a solid wall against cowardly terrorists.” He added, “These miscreants, acting on the behest of foreign enemies, have no connection to religion or humanity.”
The prime minister called for a renewed commitment to building a peaceful Pakistan where no child or family would ever endure such a tragedy again. “We will never forget. We will never forgive. It is our duty to ensure the sacrifices of December 16, 2014, were not in vain,” he vowed.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi: The APS Martyrs Are National Heroes
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commemorated the APS martyrs, calling their sacrifices the foundation of a peaceful Pakistan. “The children and teachers who lost their lives are alive in the hearts of the nation,” he said. He condemned the attackers, describing their actions as cowardly and inhumane.
Naqvi expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs and praised their resilience. “We stand united with the families, saluting their sacrifices,” he stated. He emphasized that the APS tragedy has become a symbol of Pakistan’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism.
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