A Decade of Remembrance: Honoring the Lives Lost in the APS Peshawar Tragedy
Today, Pakistan solemnly observes the 10th anniversary of the devastating attack on Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, a day that remains etched in the collective memory of the nation. On December 16, 2014, six terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stormed the school, claiming the lives of 147 innocent individuals, including 134 children.
This heinous attack was the deadliest in Pakistan’s history, sparking nationwide grief and a unified call to eradicate terrorism. The government’s response included the swift establishment of military courts through constitutional amendments, aimed at expediting the trial of terrorists. Since then, 310 militants have been sentenced to death, with 56 executions carried out, according to the Pakistan Army.
The mastermind behind this atrocity, Umar Mansour, also known as Umar Naray, was later eliminated in a drone strike in Afghanistan. Despite these actions, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain vulnerable, underscoring the ongoing challenge of combating militancy.
The attack also led to the formation of the National Action Plan (NAP), a comprehensive strategy designed to address extremism and terrorism. The political and security leadership united to ensure a decisive response to such threats, marking a pivotal shift in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism framework.
The Tragic Events of December 16, 2014
On that fateful morning, over 1,000 students and staff were present at the school when the attackers launched their assault. They infiltrated the compound by scaling walls, detonated a vehicle to distract security personnel, and unleashed terror in the school’s main assembly hall, where children were attending a first-aid session. Armed with automatic weapons and grenades, the militants targeted teachers and older students with horrifying brutality.
The massacre profoundly changed Pakistan’s stance against terrorism, uniting the nation in its resolve to root out militancy. While progress has been made, this day serves as a stark reminder of the innocent lives lost and the continued need for vigilance and unity against all forms of extremism.
Let us honor the memory of those we lost by working towards a safer and more peaceful future for our children and future generations.