APS tragedy-A day that shook the nation December 16, 2014
December 16, 2014 marked the date of a tragedy that is permanently ingrained in Pakistan’s memory. Â (APS) Peshawar became the site of an unspeakable act of terrorism as six armed attackers stormed the school and brutally killed 147 harmless souls, including 132 children. The vicious attack targeted classrooms, hallways, and the college auditorium, and created a wave of grief and anger throughout the nation.
A Decade of Reflection and Resolve Honoring the Brave
On the tenth anniversary of this tragedy, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif honored the martyrs with respectful tributes. Both emphasized that the people’s ultimate sacrifice is long-lasting, reinstating the firm commitment of the nation to banish terrorism altogether. President Zardari described the attack as an attempt to break the nation’s future and emphasized the importance of team spirit against the threat of terrorism. “The APS tragedy unveiled the real face of terrorists and introduced the country collectively in its fight against extremism,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also echoed the same sentiment, saying, “We will by no means forget. We will in no way forgive.” In his emotional speech, he appealed to the kingdom to refresh its efforts to ensure that such a barbarity never occurs again.
The Legacy of Sacrifice: Remembering the Martyrs
Events are being organized all over the country to pay tribute to the victims. Quran Khawani classes are being arranged in mosques for the sake of praying for martyrs and peace in Pakistan. Schools, many of which have been named after APS victims, continue to remind us of their bravery and sacrifice. Families of the martyrs have transformed their sorrow into action by way of establishing scholarships and programs that aim to help education for poor children. Survivors like Ahmad Nawaz have become international ambassadors for peace and education, continuing the legacy of their fallen classmates.
The National Action Plan: A Decade of Challenges
In response to the APS attack, the authorities initiated the 20-point National Action Plan (NAP) in January 2015 to fight terrorism and repair peace. Though the state of affairs extended in the initial years, the latest upsurges in terrorist activity, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remind us of the challenges which persist in security.
A Nation United: Standing Against Terrorism
The APS tragedy united Pakistan against a frequent enemy. The bravery of the victims, the resilience of their families, and the braveness of protection forces shape the spine of a kingdom determined to rise above terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reminded us, “These miscreants, performing on the behest of overseas enemies, have no connection to faith or humanity. It is our collective obligation to make sure that the sacrifices made on December 16, 2014, had been no longer in vain.”
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