By Sidra Hasan

Peshawar : A decade has passed since the tragic Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, which claimed the lives of over 140 people, most of them innocent schoolchildren. On December 16, 2014, terrorists carried out a heinous assault on APS, brutally cutting short the lives of children who had gathered to learn and play.

This barbaric attack, which also left dozens injured, marked one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history. Today, as the nation observes the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, the grief of the incident remains fresh in the hearts of parents and the public alike. The attack, carried out by enemies of peace and education, left an indelible scar on the pages of history with its cruelty.

The APS massacre not only shocked Pakistan but also the world, as it targeted the nation’s future—its children—and underscored the ruthless nature of terrorism. Among the 150 victims were students and school staff who lost their lives in an event that brought the entire country to mourning.

In the aftermath of this devastating tragedy, Pakistan renewed its commitment to combating terrorism. The government formulated the National Action Plan (NAP), which aimed at decisive and immediate actions against terrorists. This tragedy became a turning point, uniting the nation and its security forces in their resolve to eliminate extremism.

Ten years on, the pain of the APS attack lingers in the hearts of grieving parents, but the resilience of the nation stands firm. The sacrifices of the APS martyrs have strengthened Pakistan’s determination to ensure that the flame of knowledge continues to burn brightly, undeterred by the dark designs of terror.

Today, the nation salutes the martyrs of the APS tragedy, reaffirming its resolve to honor their legacy by fostering peace and education for generations to come.