ISLAMABAD: December 16 is observed across Pakistan as a day of mourning in memory of the victims of the Army Public School attack in Peshawar, one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country’s history.

On this day in 2014, terrorists stormed the Army Public School in Peshawar, killing 147 students and teachers. The attack sent shockwaves across the country and marked a turning point in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.

The day is widely remembered as a black day in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where educational institutions across the province observe solemn commemorations to honor the victims, Radio Pakistan reported.

Pakistan's fight against terrorism
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute on Monday to the children and staff martyred in the Army Public School attack in Peshawar, saying their sacrifice remains a defining moment in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.

In a message on the 11th anniversary of the December 16, 2014, attack, the president said the nation remembers “the innocent children and staff of the Army Public School whose lives were taken in the brutal terrorist attack,” describing the tragedy as a solemn reminder of the price Pakistan has paid to safeguard peace.

He expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, acknowledging their courage and resilience in the years since the attack. The president said the nation would always honor the families who transformed their grief into strength for Pakistan.

Reaffirming the country’s stance, President Zardari said Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorism was absolute. He said there could be no leniency for those who support, finance, shelter, or justify violence, and stressed that there would be no negotiations with groups that take up arms against the state or target children.

The president strongly condemned Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, saying evidence of attempts to “destabilize the country was well documented.” Pakistan would continue to “expose these hostile activities and will defend its people with full resolve,” he said.

He warned "apologists, facilitators and supporters of terrorists that the people and the armed forces of Pakistan shall not spare them and will defeat them, no matter what political, ideological or fake religious garb they try to shroud themselves in."

President Zardari also paid tribute to Pakistan’s security forces, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services, saying their efforts had prevented many attacks and tragedies. He said the state would continue to pursue every militant and facilitator until justice was served.

“The memory of the APS martyrs strengthens our resolve,” the president said, adding that Pakistan would never allow enemies of peace to succeed.

'Etched in the national conscience'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the APS victims, saying their sacrifice was "forever etched in the national conscience."

In a message posted on X, he said the martyrs served as a constant reminder of the nation’s collective responsibility to defeat terrorism.

“The Pakistani nation will always stand united, firm, and unwavering in its resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism,” the prime minister said.

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Pakistan marks 11th anniversary of school massacre as leaders reaffirm anti-terror resolve