NA passes resolution for APS martyrs

ISLAMABAD: Recalling the brutal attack on the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar on December 16, 2014, which claimed 149 innocent lives, including 132 children, the National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution, expressing resolve to observe the 16th of December as a National Day for Remembrance of the Martyrs of APS and all Victims of Terrorism in Pakistan.

The resolution, moved by Pakistan Peoples Party leader Shazia Marri in House acknowledged the unparalleled sacrifices by young martyrs, their teachers and staff, who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable brutality.

It paid tribute to the resilience and courage of the families of the martyrs, whose sacrifices became a symbol of our nation’s unity and determination in the fight against terrorism. It emphasised that the APS children remind of the heavy cost of terrorism and underscored the importance of ensuring that no child in Pakistan lives in fear of violence.

The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as the cornerstone of our national security and development. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and extremism from its soil through comprehensive, sustained and unified efforts.

The House called for enhancing the provision of security for educational institutions across the country, ensuring the schools remain safe sanctuaries for children to learn and grow without fear.

The National Assembly expressed commitment to strengthening anti-terrorism framework, improving intelligence coordination, and ensuring justice for the victims of terrorism. The House pledged unwavering support to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and all those who continue to make sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and peace of Pakistan.

It expressed solidarity with the families of the APS martyrs and victims of all terrorist incidents, ensuring that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. The House called upon the government and all political, social and civil society to unite in the collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and secure Pakistan free from the scourge of terrorism.

Syed Aminul Haq of the MQM, while talking about December 16, 2014, attack the APS, said that the day was 9/11 for the country. He also called for implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in its letter and spirit to eliminate menace of terrorism in the country.

He also remembered Fall of Dhaka on December 16, 1971, terming the same biggest tragedy in the country’s history and said that there was also need to learn from mistakes of the past. PPP’s Abdul Qadar Patel also remembered the APS martyrs, saying that proceedings of the House on December 16 should have been dedicated for 151 martyred students and teachers.

He regretted that terrorists who were involved in assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Karsaz and APS tragedies, were brought back and given the opportunity to settle in the country. He said that all the culprits involved in the APS attack should be punished. “While we are condemning APS tragedy and Fall of Dhaka, all those involved in attack, supporting them and those who brought terrorists back to the country, should be taken to task,” he said.

SIC chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza maintained that there would be no ‘minus Imran Khan’ talks with the incumbent regime. “You can be ready on talks without Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif but we cannot go ahead minus Imran Khan,” he said.

Hamid Raza pointed out that the PTI founder had been imprisoned for the last 520 but he maintained that their offer of talks should not be misunderstood as their weakness. He said that none of the killers and master minds of tragedies like APS attack and Karsaz (Karachi) had been taken to task and sentenced to death.

He also accused the government promoting provincialism and political victimisation and warned the rulers that the PTI would react strongly to this injustice. PMLN’s Qaisar Shaikh said that the establishment should not be blamed for country’s failures in the economic sector in the past.

He said that it was true that the PTI was a popular political party of the country but its leadership should give up practicing negative politics. PPP’s Abdul Qadar Gilani said that none of political leaders or worker should be kept in prison but he recalled that his party’s senior leaders like Asif Ali Zardari and Yousaf Raza Gilani spent imprisonment for years but the leadership made no hue and cry. He advised the PTI leadership demonstrate patience and take path of dialogue.