PM vows to eradicate terrorism as APS martyrs honoured

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar tragedy, reaffirming the state’s resolve to completely eradicate terrorism from the country, which he described as the only true justice for the victims.

In a message issued on the anniversary of the attack, the prime minister said the nation was honouring the innocent children, teachers and staff of APS who sacrificed their lives for the future of Pakistan. He termed the December 16 2014 massacre a heartbreaking ordeal for the entire country, one that plunged the nation into grief but failed to break its collective resolve.

“The sacrifices of the innocent children, teachers and staff of APS are an inseparable part of our national memory,” the prime minister said, adding that the complete elimination of terrorism from Pakistani soil alone would constitute real justice for the tragedy. He expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs, saluting their patience and steadfastness in the face of an irreparable loss.

Referring to the current security situation, the prime minister said that Pakistan was once again confronting the menace of terrorism, with security personnel and civilians being targeted in different parts of the country. In this context, he said, the APS tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism is not yet over.

He stressed that the state, security institutions and the public remain united and determined to defeat terrorism and extremism. Reiterating the government’s policy of zero tolerance, the prime minister said operations against terrorist elements would continue with full force and without pause until the last terrorist is eliminated.

The prime minister concluded by praying for the martyrs of the war against terrorism, asking Allah to grant them the highest ranks in Jannah and to bestow patience upon their families.