Nation Remembers APS Victims: 10 Years of Mourning and Unity
On the solemn 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, Pakistan honors the memory of the 147 lives lost, including 132 innocent children. The devastating tragedy of December 16, 2014, remains an indelible scar on the nation’s collective memory, symbolizing both profound grief and unwavering resolve against terrorism.
A Day of Heartbreak and Reflection
The APS tragedy is remembered as one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s history. For the families of the victims, the pain remains as raw as ever. Parents cling to cherished keepsakes—schoolbooks, backpacks, and photographs—as they relive the heartbreak of losing their children to a savage act of terrorism.
December 16 marks a day when terrorists targeted the nation’s future, leaving a legacy of sorrow but also galvanizing unity in the face of adversity.
National Leaders Reaffirm Resolve
In their messages commemorating the day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the grieving families and reiterated Pakistan’s determination to eradicate terrorism.
President Zardari described the APS attack as an “inhumane and heinous crime” and emphasized that the tragedy united Pakistan against terrorism. “December 16 has left an indelible mark on our collective memory,” he said, urging the global community to collaborate in eliminating terrorism. He also honored the sacrifices of soldiers, law enforcement, and civilians in Pakistan’s fight against extremism.
Prime Minister Sharif called the attack an “unforgettable tragedy” that continues to haunt the nation. He paid tribute to the bravery of the APS children, teachers, and their families, stating, “This was an attack on our children, our future, and our collective existence as a nation.”
A Call for Unity
Both leaders emphasized the need for continued efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, pledging that the sacrifices of the APS martyrs will not be in vain. Pakistan remains steadfast in its mission to secure a safer and more peaceful future for its children.
