Civil society activists gather to remember martyrs of Peshawar massacre

Islamabad
Despite rain and chilly weather, civil society activists once again gathered on 16 February to remember the martyrs of Peshawar massacre and recent incidents of terrorism in different parts of the country.
The protest was part of a year-long planned initiative to hold a protest every month (on the 16th) with the message that 'we will never forget' the victims of the Peshawar incident and the ongoing terrorism.
The Peshawar massacre took place on December 16 where terrorists brutally murdered more than 134 school children and 10 teachers at the Army Public School. “If we don’t come out against militants, we will soon be facing them in our homes,” said human rights Farzana Bari.
The protestors chanted slogans against terrorists and all those who support them in one way or the other. They were holding placards inscribed with slogans and pictures of the martyrs.
“We will never forget neither will let you. You promised us to eliminate all such elements but they are still there,” was the slogans inscribed on the main banner along with the pictures of political and military leadership reminding them of their commitments. “We stand against the terrorists and their supporters,” said another.
The civil society held vigils and rallies across Pakistan and abroad on Monday in the memory of the victims of the Peshawar massacre and other terrorist activities. The vigil in Islamabad was held in front of the National Press Club.
Speakers at the protest also talked about government's National Action Plan and urged authorities to deliver on their promises and take action against terrorists and those who preach hatred. “If all of us come out and demand the government to take action, things will change,” said Syed Latif Shah from Omer Asghar Khan Foundation.
“Even after two months, nothing much is done. Same banned outfits are holding rallies openly in the capital. Nothing much has been done to control hate speech. If our leaders are too afraid to take action, they should resign,” suggested rights activist Rashida Dohad. “If that is the level of security in Peshawar, what could be the situation in other parts of the country,” said activist Aliya Mirza.
Though the number of protestors was low as compared to last protest held on January 16, the resolve to continue the movement was strong. Last month on the 16th, civil society's protest enabled a large number of protestors to come out and show their resolve against terrorists and their sympathisers.
The speakers urge people to come out of the comfort of their homes to safeguard the future of their children by standing up against those who are bent upon destroying the peace of the country.
Speaking on this occasion, Rabeea Hadi from Aurat Foundation said that two months have passed since Peshawar incidents but people fail to see any results of the counter efforts by the government as terrorist attacks continue with same frequency.
Human rights activist Dr Rakhshinda Perveen urged media to play effective role in combating terrorism and reset their priorities. President Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists Bilal Dar talked about journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.