The whole nation will pay homage to the martyrs of Army Public School (APS) Peshawar on its first anniversary being observed today with a renewed pledge to fight terrorism collectively to purge the country of terrorism. In a barbaric terrorist incident, probably the goriest in the history of the country, 144 children were killed by terrorists who attacked the School.
All the political parties by putting aside their political differences sat together in All Parties Conference and decided to implement 20 point National Action Plan to eradicate terrorism from our beloved country. We as a nation had decided to deal with terrorists with iron hands, but martyrs of APS compelled us to sense the gravity of the matter. The day united the whole nation on one page against terrorism. Military Courts were setup in the country to counter terrorism and four terrorists involved in the massacre of APS were hanged at Central Jail Kohat.
Today to observe the first anniversary of the APS tragedy government has planed an event to express solidarity and sympathies with victims, families besides renewing our pledge to continue efforts for promotion peace. Anniversary function would be held on the premises of the APS where a Martyrs Monument has been constructed for inauguration on the occasion. The parents of victims, students and teachers would also participate in the event besides senior civil and military officials.
KPK government has announced a public holiday in Peshawar on Wednesday. The Public and Archives Library at Peshawar Museum would be named after APS martyrs in a special ceremony that would be attended by PTI Chief Imran Khan, library would be named Shuhada-i-APS Library. Provincial government had named 111 schools and three roads after the APS victims. Federal government had announced Tamgha-e-Shujaat for 142 deceased and Sitara-e-Shujaat for two.
Great nations never forget their martyrs; we must pay homage to APS students to bring us on one page to fight terror.
