ISLAMABAD (Big Digit) Best way to pay tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan is to implement the National Action Plan without fear and danger
ISLAMABAD (Big Digit) The wounds of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy are still fresh today, the best way to pay tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan is to implement the National Action Plan without fear and danger, I can feel the pain of the great and brave children, teachers and families of other martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar, remember that I am the brother of Shaheed Mazhar Ali Mubarak who lost his life in a terrorist attack on December 25, 2013
Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism since 2001; however, when terrorists attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, the military and political leadership and the nation came together to uproot the scourge of terrorism, and for this purpose, the National Action Plan was formulated. It is essential to inform the public about the key points of the National Action Plan, enabling them to take a national stance and play an active role in supporting its implementation with passion, alongside the government and military leadership.
Undoubtedly, the National Action Plan is a roadmap against terrorism.
After the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and the establishment of the Taliban government, the security landscape of Pakistan changed significantly, in view of which a revised 14-point National Action Plan was prepared, which provided a detailed framework to combat terrorism.
Pakistan’s armed forces are making sacrifices for the motherland on a daily basis, while, on the other hand, unfortunately, the political leadership in the previous government was not loyal to Pakistan. The political leadership joined hands with terrorists. Pakistan faces a constant threat from terrorist elements who are constantly supported by Pakistan’s opponents. December 16 is a day of renewed resolve, solidarity, and a secure future. The anniversary of the Army Public School attack, which is still fresh, is the day the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan have reiterated that there will be no talks with those who take up arms against the state.
In his message on the 11th anniversary of the attack on Army Public School Peshawar, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the APS martyrs and said that the nation will never forget the sacrifice of innocent children. We salute the courage of the families of the victims of APS. The memory of the martyrs further strengthens our resolve. He said that Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism is unwavering. There will be no leniency towards terrorists, their facilitators, and financial backers. No talks are possible with those who take up arms against the state. The President said that we strongly condemn terrorism under Indian auspices. Pakistan will continue to expose enemy elements. We pay tribute to the security forces and law enforcement agencies. Every terrorist and facilitator will be pursued. We will never allow the enemies of peace to succeed. In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that today we pay tribute to the martyrs of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, who sacrificed their precious lives for the future of our beloved homeland. This heartbreaking tragedy was a great test for the entire nation, which filled our hearts with grief but could not dampen our spirits. The sacrifices of the innocent children, teachers, and staff of APS are always a part of our national memory, and the complete elimination of terrorism from the soil of Pakistan is the real justice for this tragedy. The entire nation equally shares the grief of the families of the martyrs, and we salute their patience and perseverance. The Prime Minister said that today, when Pakistan is once again facing the scourge of terrorism and security personnel and innocent citizens are being targeted in different parts of the country, the APS tragedy reminds us of the fact that our struggle against terrorism is not over yet. The state, security agencies, and the people are united and determined to eliminate terrorism and extremism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that today we renew the pledge that full-fledged operations will be continued with full force under the policy of zero tolerance against terrorism, and China will continue to eliminate the last terrorist. We will not rest on our laurels; these great sacrifices made for the bright future of Pakistan will never go in vain. May Allah Almighty grant all the martyrs of this war against terrorism a high place in Paradise and grant patience to the bereaved families. Amen.
On the other hand, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that the sacrifice of innocent children of the Army Public School tragedy is a bright and unforgettable symbol of Pakistan’s national resolve against terrorism. Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies are continuously taking decisive and effective actions against terrorists. Pakistan is among the countries most affected in the world in the war against terrorism. More than 90 thousand precious lives have been lost in Pakistan due to terrorism so far, which is proof that the nation has made unparalleled sacrifices for peace and security. The spokesperson said that these sacrifices are a living reminder of Pakistan’s character and unwavering resolve against terrorism. Pakistan’s sacrifices have saved countless precious lives not only for the Pakistani people but also for the entire region and beyond. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also paid tribute to the innocent martyrs of the APS tragedy in powerful words. In his message, Mohsin Naqvi said that I salute the determination, courage, and great sacrifice of the brave students. The APS tragedy is the tragic and darkest chapter in the history of Pakistan, which exposed the brutal and merciless face of terrorism to the whole world. He said that on December 16, 2014, the beasts directly attacked the future of the state of Pakistan and the nation by targeting innocent children. The great sacrifice of the innocent martyrs of APS showed Pakistan a clear, decisive, and unwavering national path against terrorism. The Interior Minister said that the pure blood of the martyrs has forever recorded this decision that there is no room for any ambiguity or expediency against terrorism. On the basis of this national resolve, the state of Pakistan has launched comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous operations against terrorism. The state has made it clear that terrorism, whether it is under any name, slogan, or flag, under any circumstances, is unacceptable. Mohsin Naqvi further said that the complete elimination of Fitna-ul-Hindustan and its facilitators is the categorical and final decision of the state, Pakistan’s clear and strong declaration that the war against terrorism will reach its logical conclusion. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has paid tribute to the innocent martyrs of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy on the occasion of their 11th anniversary. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, in his statement, termed the APS tragedy a heartbreaking and unforgettable event in the history of Pakistan. He expressed the renewal of national unity and common resolve against terrorism. He said that the sacrifices of the APS martyrs are a symbol of national unity and resolve against terrorism, and this tragedy united the entire nation against extremism. The Speaker National Assembly termed the patience and perseverance of the martyrs’ families as a source of encouragement for the entire nation. He clarified that the Parliament will continue to fully support effective legislation for the complete eradication of terrorism. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reiterated the resolve of the armed forces and security agencies and said that these institutions will not rest on their laurels until terrorism is completely eradicated. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar city of Balochistan and paid tribute to the security forces for foiling the attack on Cadet College Wana. He said that the people of Pakistan stand by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The Speaker National Assembly said that December 16 is a day of renewal of resolve, solidarity, and a secure future. Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in his special message on the anniversary of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, said that the nation can never forget the great sacrifices of the martyrs of APS. December 16, 2014, was a very painful and trying day in the history of Pakistan, which plunged the entire nation into grief and sorrow. According to a message issued by the Senate Secretariat, Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that the innocent students and teachers of Army Public School sacrificed their lives for knowledge, peace, and humanity. These sacrifices are a bright chapter in our national history and will always be remembered with respect and devotion. The Chairman Senate said that the APS tragedy further strengthened the national unity against terrorism and highlighted the fact that national unity and joint struggle are indispensable for success against terrorism. Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces and security agencies, he said that their sacrifices are a source of pride for the entire nation. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that the nefarious intentions of enemy elements are constantly failing in the face of the nation’s firm resolve, terrorists do not deserve any concessions, and the state’s struggle will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated. He clarified that terrorism has no religion or nation; terrorists are enemies of humanity. He said that targeting innocent children is a serious crime against humanity, which Pakistan strongly condemns. Terrorism is a global problem, to which the international community will have to take joint and effective measures. The Chairman Senate said that education, tolerance, and the rule of law are indispensable to eradicate terrorism. Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the APS martyrs, he said that the entire nation shares their grief equally. He said that the sacrifices of the APS martyrs will always live on and the nation will never forget them. Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, has said that the previous government had forgotten the attack on APS on December 16, but we are giving a safe future to the siblings of the martyred children.
December 16 also reminds us that the heads of anti-Pakistan forces must be crushed. He clarified that Pakistan is determined to completely eradicate terrorism, and the international community should acknowledge Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts against terrorism and promote cooperation to deal with this challenge. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her special message on the anniversary of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, said, that I salute the brave parents and families of the APS tragedy. The sacrifice of innocent children in the APS tragedy can never be forgotten. The sacrifices of innocent children, teachers, and staff of APS are an example of bravery. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism is unwavering, the future of the country is bright thanks to the eternal sacrifices of the Pakistani armed forces, and the great sacrifice of the children of the APS tragedy will not be allowed to go in vain. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, while paying tribute to the great and brave children, teachers, and other martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar, said that the entire nation still salutes these sacrifices that created an unforgettable chapter in the history of the country. In his message on the anniversary of the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, the Chief Minister said that the APS tragedy is not only a day to refresh the memory of the martyrs but also an opportunity to renew the pledge that every sacrifice will be made to protect the beloved homeland, but the motherland will never be allowed to come under fire. Mir Sarfaraz Bugti made it clear that the blood of innocent children, teachers, and security personnel of Army Public School will never go in vain, and their sacrifices are the basis of the national resolve against terrorism. He said that the APS tragedy exposed the hideous faces of cowardly, inhuman, and brutal terrorists before the whole world, who could neither spare children nor have any regard for humanity. The Chief Minister of Balochistan reiterated the resolve that the war and struggle against terrorism is going on with full force, and God willing, victory in it will be the destiny of Pakistan and the Pakistani people. Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, while describing the great soldiers of the security forces who sacrificed their lives in the protection of the motherland as heroes and benefactors of the country and the nation, said that their sacrifices are a symbol of the courage and unity of the nation. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi says that the whole world will remember the sacrifices of APS martyrs. The APS tragedy in Peshawar was a dark day; terrorists martyred our young children. The children of APS sacrificed for peace; the whole world will remember the sacrifices of APS martyrs. Today again, the law and order situation in the province has deteriorated. We will have to work for peace in the country with full solidarity; people of all schools of thought will have to be united for peace in the country. The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that terrorists also attempted an APS-like attack in Wana Cadet College, and the security forces successfully foiled the Wana Cadet College attack. It may be recalled that 11 years ago today, on December 16, brutal terrorists attacked the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar and brutally martyred innocent children. This day not only caused immense pain and grief for the families of these innocent martyrs, but this horrific incident wounded the hearts of every Pakistani. This attack by armed terrorists, in which about 147 students and teachers, including the Principal of APS, were martyred and many were injured, had left the entire nation in mourning. December 16, 2014, known as a black day in the history of the country, was a terrible day for the family of Sharif Gul, whose eldest son, Hasnain Sharif, a tenth-grade student of APS Peshawar, was martyred in this horrific attack along with 132 other students. Sharif Gul told APP that 11 years ago on this day, my eldest son, Hasnain Sharif, who had a strong desire to join the Pakistan Army as an SSG commando, woke up early in the morning, offered Fajr prayers, recited the Holy Quran as per his daily routine, and left for school with a farewell kiss on his forehead from his mother. He said that Hasnain was my obedient and intelligent son. To fulfill his wish, I moved to Peshawar with the family and got him admitted to APS, where he showed excellent performance in studies, sports, and co-curricular activities. Sharif Gul said that at that time, I was busy with my usual office work in Peshawar when my colleagues informed me of the attack. I immediately ran towards Warsak Road, where the smell of firing, explosions, and gunpowder was spreading. Last night, I was informed that Hasnain had been martyred and his body was in the hospital from where it was brought for burial. He said that although Hasnain is not with us today, his great mission will be completed.Pakistan is our country, and if it needs my blood or more sons, we are ready to sacrifice for our homeland. He said that the APS incident proved to be a turning point in the nation’s resolve against terrorism, and it united everyone against terror. The APS attack is one of the most painful incidents in the history of Pakistan when six terrorists dressed in military uniform entered the school and opened indiscriminate fire on students, teachers, and staff. As a result, 147 people, including Principal Tahira Qazi, were martyred, including 132 students, and many were injured. Principal Tahira Qazi and other teachers stood as a rock in front of the terrorists to protect their students and sacrificed their lives.
Pakistan’s brave security forces took immediate action and surrounded the school, killing all the terrorists in a successful operation, saving the precious lives of many students and teachers. PML-N Nowshera President Hamza Khan, while talking, said that the APS attack became a defining moment in the country’s history, which united the entire nation against the scourge of terrorism and militancy. He said that the cowardly terrorists wanted to destroy knowledge and education by attacking students in the school, but they could not demoralize the nation, and people of all schools of thought rejected terrorism. He said that the school was reopened just a few days after the attack, sending a strong message to the supporters of the terrorists.
The APS tragedy led to a clear policy and a unified plan in the form of the National Action Plan against Terrorism. The surviving students of APS have made the country famous with their courage and dedication. Ahmed Nawaz, a brave son of Peshawar, who survived the tragedy of December 16, 2014, became a beacon of light for thousands of people by becoming the youngest president of the famous Oxford University Union in 2023. Ahmed Nawaz, who was injured by multiple bullets in the attack, won the election by defeating his two rivals. His brother Haris Nawaz was also martyred in the attack. Dr. Zahid Anwar, Professor of Political Science, University of Peshawar, said that Ahmed Nawaz is a brave son of Pakistan and he is a symbol of unwavering courage and determination. Their success proves that any goal can be achieved with strong determination. The then Nawaz Sharif government had shifted Ahmed Nawaz to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the UK on February 12, 2015, for treatment and provided his father with Rs 30.6 million for his son’s treatment. Despite the passage of 11 years since the tragedy, the memories of this tragedy are fresh in the minds of every Pakistani. The sacrifices of the martyrs of this tragedy will always be remembered in golden words. On this occasion, people and relatives went to the homes and graveyards of the martyrs and offered Fateha and prayed for the elevation of their ranks. On December 16, 2014, brutal terrorists attacked innocent students at the Army Public School in Peshawar and martyred 147 people, including 132 children, female teachers, and staff. The pain of the APS tragedy is the pain of every parent and the entire nation. It is a tragedy that shook not only the Pakistani nation but the entire world, and the wounds are still fresh today.
The soldiers of the Pakistan Army reached the school in a short time and retaliated and killing all the attackers. At the end of this tragic day, funerals were held on every street of Peshawar. Around 150 martyrs drowned the city of flowers in sighs and sobs.
That day laid the foundation for decisive action against terrorism in Pakistan and launched an operation against extremists across the country. Terrorists continue to target innocent citizens of Pakistan using the land of Afghanistan.
Even today, the Pakistani army and people are fighting Afghan terrorists. Once again, the entire nation will have to fight these terrorists together so that the Holy Land can be made safe and a paradise for all.
The terrorists were trained in Afghanistan, and the firearms were also brought from Afghanistan. On December 16, 2014, the brutal terrorists entered the school at 11 am and started firing indiscriminately on innocent children. The Khawarij killed the children selectively.
On the anniversary of the heinous terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, remember those innocent children and teachers who were martyred in a completely inhuman act.
The sacrifices of the martyrs stand as an eternal symbol of the nation’s resolve to defeat and confront terrorism in all its forms. As we remember the martyrs, this tragic anniversary underscores the continuing urgency to end the scourge of terrorism,
Pakistan is among the countries worst affected by terrorism, having lost over 90,000 lives and borne immense economic and social costs.
These sacrifices remain a constant reminder of Pakistan’s frontline role and unwavering commitment to counter-terrorism. Pakistan’s security forces have saved countless precious lives not only of Pakistanis but also of people in the region and beyond.
Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies continue to take decisive and effective action against terrorist groups.
At the same time, Pakistan faces a constant threat from terrorist elements operating across the border, with continued support from our adversaries. We have consistently drawn attention to this challenge and have taken determined steps to prevent terrorism from spreading to our soil.
Pakistan has acted as a strong actor against the spread of terrorism beyond its borders, contributing significantly to the security and stability of the wider region and beyond.
This undeniable fact underscores the urgent need for concerted action to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries and eliminate all forms of support to all terrorist groups, including those targeting Pakistan.
As Pakistanis pay tribute to the martyrs of APS, Pakistan reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting its people, defending its sovereignty, and advancing its vision of lasting peace through unity, resilience, and an uncompromising stance against terrorism, whatever its origin.
