Daily Times

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy united the entire nation against an enemy.

In a message to mark the 4th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on the school in 2014, he paid a rich tribute to the lives lost in the tragedy and expressed sympathies with the parents of the martyred children.

The premier said the entire nation shared the grief of the bereaved families, adding that the APS martyrs will always be remembered. He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to national, regional and world peace.

He said the Pakistan Army undertook a decisive action against terrorists with the support of the nation and added the price the country paid in the war against terrorism couldn’t be estimated.

The prime minister said education is the best tool to defeat extremism and terrorism for good. He reiterated the government’s commitment to turn Pakistan into a society which will not tolerate extremism and violence in any form.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Army Public School (APS) Peshawar and salute to their brave parents.

“Remembering & praying for our APS Martyrs. Salute to the brave parents. Nation has bravely faced challenges at heavy cost to come out successful, said General Bajwa, in his message to mark 4th anniversary of APS martyrs, released by DG Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) through his official twitter handle.

“We stay united & steadfast to carry forward Pakistan to its rightful destination of peace & prosperity, Inshallah”, the message continued.

Earlier in the day, President Dr Arif ALvi said the nation acknowledges the sacrifices of all security forces, including Pakistan Army, for fighting successfully against the menace of terrorism.

On Dec 16, 2014 six terrorists stormed the school and martyred around 150 students and teachers.

After this tragic incident, the government chalked out the National Action Plan (NAP) to eliminate terrorism from the country. Besides, the armed forces launched military operations in the country’s tribal areas to eradicate the scourge of terrorism.

Published in Daily Times, December 17^th2018.