APS tragedy’s 10th anniversary marked

PESHAWAR: The 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy, where 147 persons, mostly schoolchildren were massacred on December 16, 2014, was observed with muted commemoration this year.

Unlike previous years, where large-scale events were organised, this year’s remembrance was marked by low-key activities and official statements.In the provincial metropolis, no significant public event was arranged except a prayer-offering ceremony held on the premises of the APS itself. Even the parents of the martyrs chose not to organise their usual gathering at the Archives Hall. However, prayers and homage were offered in various public sector schools across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to honour the martyrs.

Some parents joined the prayers at the APS and visited the Yadgar-e-Shuhada on the school premises to remember their loved ones.In the cantonment area of the provincial capital, the poles of streetlights were decorated with portraits of the martyr students and staff members of the school.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed his sentiments on the occasion through a statement on his official X account. He described the APS tragedy as an “unforgettable incident that brought tears to every eye.”

“This incident laid the foundation of long-lasting peace in the country and united the entire nation, the government, and institutions against a common enemy,” the chief minister stated. He emphasized that the grief of the APS martyrs remained alive in the hearts of the nation. Highlighting the significance of the National Action Plan formulated in the aftermath of the attack, he described it as “a correct and timely move towards the restoration of peace in the country.”

The chief minister also paid tribute to the “patience and perseverance” of the aggrieved parents, recognizing their sacrifices as a story of courage and resilience that will never be forgotten.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary, accompanied by Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mahsud and Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Saleem Akram, visited APS Peshawar to pay tribute to the martyrs.The delegation laid floral wreaths at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada in the school and offered prayers for the departed souls. They also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the bereaved families.

During the visit, the chief secretary met with the families of the martyrs, acknowledging their immense sacrifices and the courage they have shown over the years.Riaz Mahsud remarked, “The martyrs of APS are the true heroes of this nation. Their blood has illuminated the path of peace and serves as a lasting inspiration for all of us.”

The delegation also engaged with APS teachers and school administration to praise their resilience and dedication to preserve the legacy of the martyrs.He assured the families that the provincial government was committed to addressing their concerns and meeting their needs.

The APS tragedy is one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history, but it also symbolizes the nation’s resolve against terrorism. “The strength and unity of our nation are rooted in these unparalleled sacrifices. The martyrs of APS have written a new chapter in the fight against terrorism,” Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary remarked.

Also, participants at a function at a school paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the APS.The event was arranged at a local school and college in which students, faculty members and alumni participated and remembered the martyrs of Army Public School slain in a brutal attack by the militants some 10 years ago.

Prof Iftikhar Ahmad Khan, head of the institution, and other speakers encouraged the students to take part in such events and also offered prayer for the departed souls. He said that students should have the spirit to appreciate the sacrifices of the martyrs, saying they were martyred by militants to fulfill their nefarious designs.The speakers said youth should have a vigilance on people around them and also should take care of their movement and safety inside and outside the school premises.