President Zardari, PM Shehbaz vow to end terrorism as nation marks decade since APS tragedy

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Country observes 10th anniversary of tragic militant attack on Peshawar's Army Public School on Dec 16, 2014

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE: With a resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the militant attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, as the nation observed the 10th anniversary of the tragic event.

On 16 December 2014, six terrorists stormed APS and martyred nearly 150 innocent students and teachers.

President Zardari stated that this day serves as a solemn reminder for the nation to unite against terrorism and intensify efforts to eliminate this scourge.

In a message marking the 10th anniversary of the incident, he said the terrorists had attacked the future of the nation and its children on that fateful day.

“The terrorists mercilessly killed our citizens, including our children, displaying their enmity towards the public by targeting teachers and students. The attack on children was cruel and inhumane,” he remarked.

“The APS tragedy revealed that the terrorists’ agenda was to create chaos and anarchy in the country.

“The events of 16 December left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the nation,” he maintained.

President Zardari expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the innocent children, adding that the day stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by the nation in the war against terrorism.

He emphasised that incidents such as the APS tragedy exposed the true face of terrorists and Khawarij, and he vowed that the Pakistani nation would never allow them to succeed in their nefarious designs.

“The APS tragedy united the nation against terrorism. History bears witness to the resilience of the Pakistani people, who have not faltered in the face of adversity,” he stressed.