Islamabad : Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, marking the 10th anniversary of the tragic Army Public School (APS) attack, vowed never to forget or forgive the perpetrators of the heinous act. In his message to the nation, he emphasized that extremist and terrorist groups like the perpetrators of this tragedy have no connection to religion or societal values. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the entire nation stands united like a fortified wall against these cowardly enemies and will continue to do so.
Recalling the heartbreaking events of December 16, 2014, the Prime Minister said it remains one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history. On this day, merciless terrorists stormed the APS Peshawar campus, claiming the lives of 144 innocent individuals, most of whom were young children. These children, full of dreams and potential, were brutally taken away from their families, leaving a void that time cannot fill.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss, saying the memory of this tragedy continues to haunt the nation even a decade later. He paid tribute to the unparalleled bravery of the young martyrs and their teachers, as well as the sacrifices made by their families. He also lauded the courage of Pakistan’s security forces, who remain steadfast in their fight against all enemies of the state.
The Prime Minister reminded the nation that extremist groups, often acting on the behest of external enemies, target innocent Pakistanis to achieve their malicious goals. However, he affirmed that the nation is resolute in its fight against terrorism.
He called on the people of Pakistan to renew their commitment to building a peaceful and secure future, ensuring that no child lives in fear, and that justice is served to those responsible for such heinous acts. “We owe it to the martyrs of APS to make sure their sacrifices were not in vain,” the Prime Minister said. “We will never forget. We will never forgive.”
